Joel D. “Joe” Caldwell, 64, Jefferson City, passed away Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, at home surrounded by family.
He was born Nov. 24, 1959, a son of Donald Dale and Bonnie Faye (Sirclum) Caldwell in Bonne Terre Hospital in St. Francois County.
He met the love of his life, Sherri Denise Forsythe, while in high school. They were united in marriage Sept. 16, 1977, in Las Vegas, Nev. and were blessed with 46 years of marriage.
Joe was a graduate of Central High School in Flat River. After high school, he decided to follow the legacy of father, grandfather and great-grandfather, owners of Caldwell Funeral Home in Flat River, to become a fourth-generation funeral director and embalmer. In 1979, he solidified his commitment by successfully graduating from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science and served his apprenticeship in Lake Jackson, Texas.
Joe dedicated over four decades of his life to the funeral profession. With his gentle and compassionate demeanor, he demonstrated a genuine passion for serving others. Joe knew no stranger, kept his word and valued relationships.
His professional journey began at Houser Funeral Home in Jefferson City under the mentorship of Gideon Houser. Following Gideon Houser’s passing, Joe transitioned to Freeman Mortuary for a period before leveraging his skills as an embalmer to establish Caldwell Service Company. He was a gifted embalmer and served numerous funeral homes in the central Missouri area for a decade before seizing the opportunity to own a funeral home.
In 1997, Joe, in partnership with his brother, acquired Morton Funeral Home in Linn. Their joint operation of the funeral home endured for over a decade until the business was sold to a friend in 2008. He never truly retired from the profession he loved because he continued to help several funeral homes as a contract embalmer until his health declined.
Outside of the funeral home, one of Joe’s main passions was sports and sports memorabilia. After the sale of Morton Funeral Home, he and his son, Sam, opened Topline Sports in 2015. He loved working with Sam and being able to talk sports daily. As an ardent supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Joe held season tickets for the Cardinals over many years and, alongside Sam, embarked on numerous excursions to major league ballparks, including an annual trip to the MLB All-Star Game.
Even though Joe put in many hours helping others, he always made sure to put family first. He loved nothing more than quality time with them. He looked forward to their annual trips to the beach and Lake of the Ozarks when his children were young. Recently, he loved supporting his grandchildren and trips to attend many of their activities. They will remember his fun-loving nature, generous spirit and genuine smile.
He was preceded in death by father, Donald (Cobby) Caldwell; and parents-in-law, John and Janet Forsythe.
Joe is survived by loving wife, Sherri Caldwell; mother, Bonnie Caldwell of Bonne Terre; children, Courtney Smither and husband Trevor of Olathe, Kan., Camille “Cammie” Mengwasser and husband Jason of Watertown, S.D. and Christian Samuel “Sam” Caldwell and wife Cassie of Linn; grandchildren, Elijah, Sophia and Shia Stout, Hunter, Emma, Cole and Adelyn Smither, Leo Mengwasser and Vincent and Veda Caldwell; siblings, Jeff Caldwell and wife Robin, Jon Caldwell and wife Carolyn and Jamie Caldwell; many bonus brothers and sisters through marriage; and nieces and nephews.
A service to celebrate Joe’s life was held Thursday, Dec. 21, in the Freeman Chapel.
Private graveside services and interment were held at Garber Memorial Estates in Laurie.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Goldschmidt Cancer Center in Jefferson City.
Arrangements entrusted to Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City.
