Robert Caldwell

Robert “Bob” D. Caldwell passed from this world to Heaven on February 28, 2021 after having the opportunity to spend precious time with his beloved wife and each of his children. Bob had many loves in life, but none greater than his family and friends. Bob was born January 21, 1934 in to Iva and Walter Caldwell in Independence, Kansas as one of ten children to Iva Stephens and Walter Caldwell. He often told his family stories about sharing a bed with all of his siblings and being the one that was sent out to light the fire in the house every morning. Determined to move up in the world he married his first wife, Ester Caldwell, in 1953 and joined the Army in 1954 where he was given his first toothbrush. After he was discharged and received an award for his good conduct he enrolled in Kansas State University, later transferring to UT Arlington where he received a degree in Geology. Bob and Ester had 4 children who were raised in Midland, Texas but followed his work assignments as far as Singapore. In 1982 Bob married Sandra Dykes and they remained happily married in Midland, TX for the remainder of his life. Bob was an incredibly talented geologist, respected by every person who worked with him. His business cards used to say, “Geologist, Fisherman Extraordinaire.” His family joked that they hoped he was a better geologist than he was a fisherman. Some of his family’s best memories are alongside him at Lake Amistad. There are too many memories to list, but some of his family’s favorites include him teaching his grandchildren to drive cars way too young, his pecan pie contest every Thanksgiving, his creative cursing (Cat Daddy!), and his amazing sense of humor that he has passed on to his children and grandchildren. We believe he was the best dad and papa in the world and he will be forever missed.

Bob is survived by his wife Sandra, his sister Mary, his brother Jim, children Rob Caldwell and wife Renee, Ronda Visintainer and husband Nick, Becky Wright and husband Mark, Rick Caldwell and wife Michele, step son Coby Dykes and wife Tracie, grandchildren Shelby West and husband Will West, Emily Anderson and husband Aaron Anderson, Trey Caldwell, Preston Visintainer, Jackson Visintainer and wife Faith Visintainer, Mason Slough,  Chris Caldwell, Courtney Caldwell and Erica Caldwell, Dalton Slough and wife Karley, Rachel Hill, Dustin Slough and Katie Visintainer, great nephews Colton and Kaedon and great grandchildren, Liam West, Brinlee Slough, Gracie Slough, Porter DeGroot.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Iva and Walter and his brothers and sisters Charles, Carl, Jerry, Pat, Edna Mae, Elva and Emma.

We will celebrate his life on Thursday, March 4^th from 5-7pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home located at 3800 N. Big Spring in Midland, Texas. Your expressions of love and shared grief with flowers are deeply appreciated. Another meaningful way to honor Bob’s life and memory is to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.