Phillip Caldwell

Silver wings shining in the sunlight, roaring engines headed somewhere in flight. Our dearest husband and dad, Retired Captain Phillip Ryan Caldwell, took his final flight west at 0645 on Sunday, May 12, 2013, at the age of 74. His handshake, goodbye wave, generosity and special sense of humor will be sorely missed. He had a remarkable spirit and put a smile on the face of everyone he touched. He was not a saint, but he was so nice. Anyone who ever met him could not say otherwise. He was SO nice. He lived everyday doing the things he loved to do. He loved his wife, good friends, good jokes, bluebonnets, and sharing what he had. He never knew a stranger. He trusted everyone, his handshake was his word, and he was always looking forward. Phil graduated from Midwest City High School , Midwest City , Oklahoma , in 1957, and entered the US Army in 1959. He was commissioned as an officer in 1960 and became an instructor pilot. He served two tours in Southeast Asia flying Caribou and Mohawk aircraft and was decorated with 1st and 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Air Medals for meritorious achievement in combat support operations. He was honorably discharged in 1967 and remained a lifetime member of the Army Otter-Caribou Association. He joined Trans Texas Airlines in 1968 and retired as a Captain from Continental Airlines in 1998. In retirement, he enjoyed flying his experimental plane, piddling around the farm, fishing, firing his Henry rifle, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Preceded in death by his parents Orval William and Annie Owen Caldwell, Phil is survived by his adored wife of 30 years, Donna; children Curt (Claire), David and Cheri; stepchildren Dan (Sylvia) Dillard, Tracy (Terry) Ranuio, Tad (Betty Jo) Dillard, and Cathy Dillard; sixteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and numerous relatives and many close friends. He was loved by all who knew him and was a hero in the eyes of his children, who he loved dearly. Services to celebrate his life are scheduled for 10:00 AM Thursday, May 16, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church in Waxahachie with Rev. Jerry Galloway officiating. Interment will follow at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas. Visitation with the family will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at the Wayne Boze Funeral Home. He had and lived a great life. These are the things for which he should be remembered as he takes the Ol' Home Turn. Silver wings shining in the sunlight, roaring engines headed somewhere in flight. Taking you away and leaving me lonely, silver wings slowly fading in the light.

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