Phillip A Caldwell

Phillip A. Caldwell, age 67, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Thursday afternoon, March 21, 2013, in The Ohio State University Medical Center at Columbus, following a brief illness.

Born at Dennison, July 17, 1945, he was a son of the late William J. and Opal L. McPeek Caldwell.

A gifted athlete, Phil, as he was known by his family and friends, was known as Mr. Bronco in his younger days having played on the football and basketball teams and the two springtime sports, baseball and track, while attending Tuscarawas-Warwick High School. He graduated from high school in 1964. Phil went on to serve in the United States Army Reserve through 1968.

On June 15, 1968, he wed his high school sweetheart, the former Sandra Lahm and together raised a family that includes three sons and a daughter; Jason (Melinda) Caldwell of Newcomerstown, Jeremy (Michelle) Caldwell of Dover, Justin (Nikki) Caldwell of Bolivar, and Jolene (Josh) McDonald of New Philadelphia.

He’ll be sadly missed by 15 grandchildren; Michael (Allie) Caldwell of Tuscarawas, Kayla Caldwell of Michigan, Conner and Maddi Caldwell of Newcomerstown, Maddex, Paisyn, and Paxtyn Caldwell of Dover, Jordyn, Brayden, Paityn and Brooklynn Caldwell of Bolivar, and Kaleb, Kaidyn, Kylan and Kinsley McDonald, of New Philadelphia.

A brother, Bill (Kathy) Caldwell of Dennison, his father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Barbara Klein Lahm Jr., of Tuscarawas, a brother-in-law Marion Armstrong of Alabama, a sister-in-law Margie Caldwell of Newcomerstown, and many nieces and nephews complete the family.

In addition to his parents, Phil is preceded in death by his sister JoAnn Armstrong and a brother, Jack Caldwell.

Phil will be remembered by his family as the quintessential entrepreneur who took great risks, made sacrifices, and worked hard to grow the business he founded in the early 1970’s into all that it is today. His legacy continues with his family continuing the operation of P.A.C. Energy Company.

At home, Phil relished his role as a loving father and grandfather. He took the time to volunteer to coach his sons’ little league and football teams, as well as his daughter’s traveling softball team. In his spare time, Phil could be found fishing and following his favorite sports teams. He also loved to show off his ability to grill “the perfect steak” for his family and friends.

His family learned well from his example of serving others, from his support of area churches and charitable organizations to his giving heart when it came to looking out for the homeless and needy, Phil always sought to put the needs of others before his own.

Phil’s son-in-law, Pastor Josh McDonald, and Florence Fellers McNutt will lead a 4 p.m. memorial service Thursday, March 28, in New Pointe Community Church at Dover, after which, his family will receive friends as they celebrate his life in a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. also at New Pointe’s Dover Campus.

Memorial contributions may be made to either Benefit for Maddux Maple, C/O Dover-Phila Federal Credit Union, 1656 Roanoke Ave., Uhrichsville, O. 44683 or Nicci Meese’s fight against cancer C/O, Greg & Nicci Meese, 2120 Herbert St., SE, New Philadelphia, O. 44663.