Verdie Hartford Caldwell

Verdie Hartford Caldwell, a resident of Sulphur was born March 16, 1925 in Sweetwater, Texas to Tommy H. & Willie Mae (Shockley) Caldwell. He passed away Friday March 18, 2011 at Okla. City, Oklahoma at the age of 86 years and 2 days. He was married to Betty Jean (Richardson) Caldwell at Littlefield, Texas in 1948. She preceded him in death August 9, 1999. Although he only finished the 8th grade at Nebo school, he was wise beyond his years. At an early age he started milking cows for a neighboring dairy. He loved to hunt, fish and trap, (a skill his grandmother taught him).He loved the outdoors and all the animals to the point of bringing them home with him. He joined the Army in 1943 and was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He had worked in the oil fields as a roughneck, driller, tool pusher, and held several patents for oil well cleaning tools. He was a master mechanic, brick mason and construction worker. He helped build the nature center and part of the deaf school. He loved working with his hands. He built and drove a Model T all by himself at the age of 14. He was a talented musician and singer. He knew and sang with Buck Owens, Meryl Haggard, and several others. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Lodge for 41 years. Everyone who knew Verdie will never forget his kindness, compassion and sense of humor. He was the kind of man that would give the shirt off his back to those in need. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Vida Brewer and a brother Tommy Caldwell, Jr. Survived by his Daughter & son-in-law: Cindy & Ron White of Sulphur, Oklahoma, Daughter: Gayla Eaves of Sulphur, Oklahoma, Sons & daughters-in-law: Verdie Wayne & Beth Caldwell of Sulphur, Oklahoma, Kevin & Tina Caldwell of Healdton, Oklahoma, David & Pam Caldwell of Sulphur,Oklahoma, Brothers: Von Caldwell & wife Jo of Sulphur, Oklahoma, Vernon Caldwell & wife Laura of Montana, Sisters: Mary Hardoin & husband Jim of Sulphur, Oklahoma Vivian Baker of Montana. Grandchildren: Brandon Caldwell, Amber Buckmaster, Eric White, Jason White, Ricky Shane Eaves, Tristan McKinley, Travis Caldwell, Cody Caldwell, Amy Ingram. Great Grandchildren: Hunter, Tylor, Christopher, Jayden, (soon to be) Jordan, London, Paris, Cadance, Jaylynn & Michael. Services: 1:00PM Wednesday March 23 at Calvary Baptist Church with interment in Drake Cemetery.

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Verdie Hartford Caldwell

March 16, 1925 - March 18, 2011