Robert Garland Caldwell

Robert Garland "Olie" Caldwell, 89, of Longview passed away Nov. 11, 2022, at home surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born Oct. 17, 1933, in Winner, S.D., to Dale Robert and Agnes (Nelson) Caldwell. He graduated from high school in Moses Lake, Wash. Olie served in the Navy during the Korean War. He was a gunner’s mate aboard the USS Cunningham, USS Toledo and the USS Missouri earning the rank of GM3 from Nov. 25, 1953 to Nov. 6, 1956.

Olie studied commercial refrigeration, welding and electrical repair at Lower Columbia College, receiving his certification to work in commercial refrigeration. He also worked as a cement mason. He was an active member of the American Legion, Eagles and Moose Lodge, where he was a charter member.

Olie lived in Kalama for 25 years, Ocean Park for 35 years and Longview for the last seven years. He enjoyed rodeo riding in his younger years, helping his friends, camping, hunting and fishing. He was fun, loved kids, and worked hard to raise his family. He was an all-around great guy.

He married Patricia O’Brien in Castle Rock Aug. 24, 1962. They met when the four children from her first marriage, unbeknownst to her, invited him and other neighbors to dinner. “Some children bring stray dogs home. Mine brought a daddy home.”

Olie is survived by his wife, Patricia Caldwell at home; five children, Lloyd Dally of Kalama, Lynda Veasie of Clarkston, Wash., Mike Dally of Rainier, Larry Dally of Woodland, and Robert Caldwell of Longview; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Alvin and Stanley Caldwell.

A celebration of Olie’s life will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box, 2067, Longview, WA 98632 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Final arrangements have been entrusted to Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park.