Donald Richard Caldwell died Wednesday, February 24, 2021. He was 87. The son of the late Malcolm and Posey Caldwell, he grew up in Cincinnati, OH.

He served in the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Austria. After serving, Don married his high school sweetheart, Carol, in 1955.  He then focused on his career and became a Metallurgist with a career spanning 35 years.  Over the course of his career, he worked for General Electric (Aircraft Engine Group), Garrett AiResearch, and Aerobraze.  Don's research & development activities with these companies included several metallurgical process patents that supported increased performance and capabilities for the aircraft engine applications he supported.  Don also had the ability to design, build, and repair whatever he set out to do.  He enjoyed using his ability to help his family, friends, and neighbors with various projects.  In his spare time, he also loved reading, listening to classical music, working in his yard, and caring for his pets.

Early in their married life, Don and Carol also discovered a passion for travel throughout the United States, particularly in the western states. On these vacations, they loved to explore nature and wildlife together.  Upon retirement, Don and Carol left Cincinnati, OH and moved to Wilmington, NC to spend several years in the mild climate where Don could enjoy more time working in his yard.  In 2005, Don and Carol moved to Murfreesboro, TN, to spend time with their grandchildren. While living in Murfreesboro, Don loved to attend his daughter's performances with the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra.  After 60 years of marriage, Carol passed away in 2015 with Don by her side.

Don is survived by his daughter, Donna Wehofer, son-in-law Steve of Murfreesboro, and grandsons Michael of Chattanooga, and Christopher & his wife Abbey of Ames Iowa; his son, Douglas Caldwell of Middletown, OH; and his sister Bonna and her husband Charlie Philhower of Cincinnati, OH. His older sister, Pat Barnhart, predeceased him.

An online guestbook is available for Mr. Caldwell at www.woodfinchapel.com. The family requests memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.