Joseph Leon Caldwell

Joseph "Joe" Leon Caldwell, 86, was born on October 11, 1939, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, to Leon Elza Caldwell and Mildred Mae Weaver.

Joe attended Capitol City High School in Oklahoma City before moving to Haysville, Kansas. He later furthered his education at the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma, earning a degree in Electronic Engineering.

A proud veteran, Joe entered the U.S. Navy on February 5, 1957. He honorably served his country for four years as an Airport Control Operator, with stations in Long Beach, California; Corpus Christi, Texas; the island of Guam; and aboard the U.S.S. Thetis Bay (LPH-6). He was honorably discharged in 1961. Joe went on to utilize his engineering degree working for International Business Machines (IBM). Notably, his sharp intellect led him to work on the historic Apollo Rocket Program, earning him a letter of commendation from the President of the United States for his contributions. A natural businessman and inventor, Joe opened and operated a television and electronics repair shop in Tulsa throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. In 1975, he purchased Dale's Auto Salvage at 3112 N. Peoria, transforming it into one of the Midwest’s most advanced automotive recycling facilities. He went on to operate Apex Import Auto Salvage and Advance Auto Salvage, which he successfully sold in 1993.

Following his military service, Joe returned to Haysville, Kansas, to marry his sweetheart, Nina Kay Caldwell, on January 23, 1961. Together they shared an unbreakable bond and enjoyed 52 beautiful years of marriage. On April 9, 1970, they adopted their son, Jason Alan Caldwell, giving him a life full of love, guidance, and care. Joe and Nina made Lake Keystone, Oklahoma, their home for over 40 years. They enjoyed countless beautiful days as a family on their houseboat, fishing, hunting, and creating lifelong memories. Following the sale of his business in 1993, Joe and Nina moved to Wichita, Kansas, where they lived happily until Nina's sudden passing on October 31, 2012.

Later, at the heartfelt request of one of his favorite family members—his nephew, Ty Caldwell—Joe sold his home and moved back to Oklahoma. He spent his final years living happily at the farm in Morrison, Oklahoma, until his passing. Joe passed from this life October 3rd, 2026 at 8:35 p.m., surrounded by family and friends until his final breath. He was so loved by so many.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Elza Caldwell and Mildred Mae Caldwell (Weaver); his wife, Nina Kay Caldwell; his brother, Fred Caldwell; his sister, Marsha Lorene McPherson; his great-niece, Ashley Caldwell; and his great-nephew, Troy Caldwell.

His legacy lives on through his surviving family, which includes his son, Jason Alan Caldwell (Wichita, KS); his daughter-in-law, Tam Nguyen; his brother, Cleve Smith (Leon, KS); his granddaughter, Jamie (Alex) Gresham; his step-grandson, Johnny Vu; and his great-granddaughters, Emma Gresham, Olivia Gresham, and Ayla Gresham. He is also survived by his nephews, Ty Caldwell (Morrison, OK), Tony Caldwell (Newton, KS), Tim Smith (Rockville, N.C.), Justin Smith (Wichita, KS), and Robert Beydler (Nashville, TN); his nieces, Kendy Smith Bowman (Atlanta, GA), Terri (Bill) Johnson (Wichita, KS), and Jennifer Riad (Ringgold, GA); as well as many much-loved great-nieces and great-nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Joe's life will be held at Lake Keystone on November 8th at 2:00 PM at Rimrock Baptist Church, 24619 W. 41st St., Sand Springs, OK 74063.

At 4:00 p.m. following the memorial, Cap's Steakhouse at Keystone Lake will host an informal reception for all who wish to share memories under a beautiful Oklahoma Sunset.

Floral arrangements are being handled through Coble's Creations in Sand Springs and Flowers By Felicia in Mannford.