Randy R. Caldwell

Randy Ray Caldwell, 68, a lifelong Bowerston resident and avid outdoorsman, passed away unexpectedly on the crisp fall afternoon of October 7, 2023 while heading to his tree stand. Born May 13, 1955, he was a son of the late Howard Elwood Caldwell and Betty Pauline (Gibson) Caldwell. He was also preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Howard “Woody” Caldwell and Jackie Caldwell.

Randy was a 1973 graduate of Conotton Valley High School before beginning his life’s work at the Bowerston Shale company for over 40 years. After retiring, he could be found daily roaming the woods of the Bowerston area, putting around the lake in his brown boat, or walking his trusty canine sidekick, Ellie, all over town. Randy was also a former member of the Bowerston Fire Department as an EMT and the Lay Leader of Trinity Church in Bowerston. You could always find him volunteering his time at the school he loved most, Conotton Valley. In years past, he could be found score keeping, driving the band equipment trailer, working the chain gang, and even being ‘water boy’ at his grandson’s pee-wee football games.

If you had the privilege of growing up around the Valley, you may have caught a glimpse of the dedicated family man, community member, and Rocket that Randy was. He had an infectious spirit and ornery grin that made the world a brighter place for all those around him. He lived a simple life, but kept 3 things in abundance; faith, love, and fishing lures! If you saw Randy around in the last two decades, chances are you probably saw a grandkid or two following along behind him, eager to be a part of his shenanigans. Known as “Poppy” by his 5 grandkids and their friends, he was an integral part of all of their lives and took such pride in all that they did! Randy never missed a moment of his family growing up and instilled an incredible passion for the outdoors in all of them.

His legacy will live on through his son, Jay (Erica) Caldwell; daughter, Christine (Robert “Woodie” Dixon) Gallogly; grandchildren, Lindsay (Trevor) Randulic, Matthew (Franna) Caldwell, Braden (Bayleigh Roth) Caldwell, Deem Gallogly, and Emmett Gallogly; nephew, Brock; nieces, Ashley and Tiffany; best buddy, Ellie; and his favorite fishing partner, Rick Cummings.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, October 13, at the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. Pastor Tom Dawson will officiate Randy’s funeral at 11:00 am Saturday, October 14, at the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home with interment following at Tunnel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Church, P.O. Box 255, Bowerston, OH 44695.