March 10, 1938 - October 23, 2016
Clifton O. Caldwell, Jr. Obituary
Capt. USN (Retired) (Age 78)
Clif was born March 10, 1938 in Ephrata, WA to Clifton O. Caldwell, Sr., and Carol B. (Gamon) Caldwell and passed away October 23, 2016 in Spokane, WA.
His early childhood years were spent in Spokane where his father had his dental practice. When he was in high school, the family went to Okinawa, Japan after his father was drafted into the army for the war in Korea. They returned to Spokane in time for Clif to graduate from North Central High School in 1956 with many of his childhood friends. He attended Eastern Washington College, University of Washington and University of Washington Dental School. After graduation, he entered the Navy and was stationed in Southern California. Upon leaving active service, he and his first wife, Carol (Shanks), returned to Spokane where he started his dental practice, serving dental patients for 37 years. He remained in the Navy Reserve for 30 years proudly serving his country.
He was a member of the American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association, Spokane District Dental Society, International College of Dentists, Delta Sigma Delta, Masonic Lodge, Elks, Spokane Camera Club, and Barbershop Harmonizers both in Coeur dAlene, ID and Hemet, CA. Clif enjoyed skiing, golfing, boating, photography and singing.
He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Vonda Caldwell, sons Rob Caldwell (James Jaxxa), Scott (Tawnya) Caldwell and Mark (Tanya) Caldwell, and daughters Alla Dalton and Debra (Cal) McKee, grandchildren Jaime Neel, Aaron (Erin) Neel, Amelia Caldwell, Ben Caldwell, and Holly Caldwell, and great-granddaughters Peighton Neel and Averi Neel-Hayes. He is also survived by his sister Caryn Alley, brothers-in-law Deni Linhart and Tom Shanks, and sisters-in-law Kathy Welsh and Jeannie Shanks, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2016 at Heritage Funeral Home in Spokane, WA with private burial to follow.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Newby Ginnings, 570 Clearwater Loop A, Post Falls, ID 83854. This not-for-profit local company provides assistance to veterans and their families, which was a service dear to Clifs heart.
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