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David Caldwell Obituary

Caldwell David Lee Caldwell, 65, of Pataskala, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 26, 2016 at Grant Medical Center. He was born on December 4, 1951 in Columbus, OH, a son to the late William and Virginia (Sullivan) Caldwell. Dave was a graduate of Licking Heights in 1970. He was a member of several organizations; the Union Sportsmen Alliance, CBTU, NAACP, APRI, CLUW, Licking Co. Democratic Party, Franklin Co. Democratic Party and Ohio Democratic Party. Dave was a very proud second generation steel worker and in June 9, 1970 he began working with Buckeye Steel Castings, becoming a proud member of USW Local 2342 and is still a member to this day. In 1976 he was elected Grievance Chair of Local 2342, in 1988 he was elected President of Local 2342 and in 1995 put on staff with the United Steelworkers International Union. Dave was elected President of the Central Ohio Central Labor Council and appointed to the Ohio AFL-CIO Executive Board in 1998. In 2000, he was appointed the USW Sub 3 Director; in 2006 he was appointed to the AFL-CIO Executive Committee and USW Assistant to the Director. The following year in 2007 Dave was appointed by Gov. Ted Strickland to the Bureau of Workers Compensation Board of Directors. Dave created The Workers Memorial Park in Columbus, OH, that is the only park in the United States dedicated to fallen workers. Not only will Dave be deeply missed by his family, but also by his Union brothers, Union sisters and countless others. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Beth; sons, Chad David (Briana), Al "Bones" and Matthew Wishon; grandchildren, William, Lexie, Grant and Blake; siblings, Anna Hughes, Paul (Sue), Danny (Rita), Pam (Roy) Hundley and Tami Behr; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dave is also preceded in death by his brother William and sister Dee Conklin. Friends may call from 1-3 and 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Tall Timbers Banquet, 13831 National Rd. SW, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068. Service will follow at 6 p.m. The family will be having a private service at KAUBER-FRALEY FUNERAL HOME on Wednesday. Burial will follow at Pataskala Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the "USW Education Fund", United Steelworkers, 60 BLVD of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. The fund supports the Leadership Scholarship Program for USW activists. In the memo line please indicate "In memory of David Caldwell". Here are some of Dave's words of wisdom that he lived; "Buy Union and Buy American while there is still time", "Mourn for the Dead and fight like hell for the living" and "Thou shall not SCAB".

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jan. 2 to Jan. 3, 2017.

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Peggy Griffith

January 15, 2017

MaryBeth, Bones, Chad and family. My condolences to all of the Caldwell Family. There are no words to express the sadness and loss of such a great man. I had the great honor of knowing Dave for 30+ years and always enjoyed his jokes, laughter and comments. I will forever hold the memories in my heart of my union brother and my dear friend. Rest in peace my friend and God bless all of you.

Amanda Sabol

January 11, 2017

To Mary Beth, Chad, Bones, Matthew and all of Dave's family, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Dave with us. He devoted so much time to the labor movement and working families. The world is truly a better place because Dave Caldwell was in it, and I feel so lucky to have known him. Love and hugs to you all, and rest easy, my favorite Caldwell.

January 8, 2017

Mary Beth, so sad to hear about Dave. So well liked and caring person. He will be sadly missed by so many. Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and family. Love and miss you guys. Patty Cotterman

Cindy King

January 7, 2017

My deepest heartfelt sympathy to the Caldwell Family. Dave was our Union Bro. first & good friend & mentor second. Always a kind spirit helping & giving support in whatever capacity. Whatever city in the U.S. our paths would cross, he was always himself. Union Officers such as himself will be my push (pray until something happens) to continue in our great Union.
In Sincerest Solidarity, USW #2211

Jennifer Arnold

January 7, 2017

Columbus list a great person. My heart goes out to all if you. I knew Dave through the United Way.

Jennifer Arnold

ken Haynes

January 6, 2017

I am so sorry for the loss my heart goes out to the family

January 6, 2017

Sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I've known him for years through the USW and the AFL-CIO. He was a great Union Activist and he will be missed.
Jim Bonsky USW 1200 - Northeast Area Labor Federation AFL-CIO

UAW Local 969 Retiree Chapter

January 4, 2017

UAW Local 969 Retirees Chapter sends our deepest sympathy at the passing of David.Many of us from UAW Local 969 had worked with him in various projects over the years.He was a decdicated Union brother to all. Our membership will be keeping your family in our prayers.

kenny ellison

January 4, 2017

so sorry to hear of dave's passing.though haven't seen him for years I can never forget our times of "pickin n grinning" together with the Sparks family.my thoughts are with you.

Steve Loeffler

January 4, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I had extreme fondness and respect for him and good memories of our bluegrass experiences. All my best with prayers and sympathy,

Steve

THOMAS HAMMER

January 3, 2017

My prayers go out to the family an friends of Dave.

Jesse Barrett

January 3, 2017

Sometimes God calls special people to Heaven for special projects. He must have a greater need for Dave than here on earth. May you be comforted in knowing that God will be there to comfort you during these trying times and after. Lean on Him and loved ones for support and may you get peace. I worked with Dave at Buckeye Steel. We had so many laughs together. I know he is smiling down at us right now.

Caleb junebug Hairston

January 3, 2017

To the caldwell family sorry for your loss I worked with Dave at Buckeye steel my thoughts and prayers are with you God bless all of you

January 3, 2017

There are people who reach beyond perceived boundaries to extend a hand in healing, hope, and humanity. These people are true leaders in what is best in us. Dave Caldwell was one of these people. Who would have ever thought that steelworkers would become allies and then even friends with "hippie tree-huggers" like me. The alliance and friendship that built among us made me a better person and gave my hurting heart a glimmer of hope for our human family. During this time where there is so much that seems to be pulling us apart, Dave's life and legacy reminds us to be willing to stretch into uncomfortable places to help reweave the torn fabric of our society. He was a leader in what is good and true and best in us. Thank You Dave for the difference you made in my life, in the alliance between unions and environmentalists, and in the world. Your spirit, heart, and dedication will live on in all of us that you touched.

Love and may you soar with the wings of angels.

julia butterfly hill

January 3, 2017

Sorry for your loss

Jerrie Sparks

January 3, 2017

I did not know Dave had stayed so involved in the Union, plus rise to the rank and importance I read in his death notice. I do remember his involvement in the union from the time my Dad, Verlin " Sparky" Sparks was President of the local union at Buckeye Steel. Then, Dave, was a union member and a good friend to my family. Others have mentioned him being gentle and a good man; that's how I remember him, too. I also remember him, as a young man, adoring his two sons, Chad and Albert.
Well, life ends, but sometimes too soon, as seems the case for Dave. But what a life- one he must have been proud of. To Dave's family - Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your loved one. I hope the good works done during his lifetime will be good comfort to you.

January 3, 2017

Al and family--So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - - Ron and Angie Driggs

Earl Littlefield

January 3, 2017

Mary Beth and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your great lost of my friend David. He will be missed in the Labor movement. The many years that I have known Dave and Paul they showed everyone respect and friendship. With love Earl

David Johnson

January 3, 2017

Deepest condolences to the Caldwell family. I had the pleasure of serving with David on the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation Board of Directors, and often sat right beside him at our meetings. David was a tireless advocate for safety in the workplace and spoke passionately and ever effectively on behalf every worker in Ohio. May he rest in peace.

Kelly Trautner

January 3, 2017

No words could possibly bring solace to the loss of such a bright star as Dave. May you rest more easily in the love,support, and prayers of friends and loved ones. And may you find comfort in your warmest memories with Dave.

January 3, 2017

Sorry for your loss may you draw comfort from Gods word at Hosea 13:14 Sincerely. L Ohio

Kathleen Kelly-Calcei

January 2, 2017

May God grant peace to your family at this difficult time. With much love and admiration.

January 2, 2017

MaryBeth, Chad, and Bones I am so sorry for what you are going through right now. If there is anything I can do Please don't hesitate to ask. Uncle David was a Great man and he fought for what he believed in and what he loved. That is what I admired the most about him. The world has lost another great man. Keep the children and the family together through all of this. That is what he would have wanted. I love you all and heart is with you all and you all are in my prayers

Daniel Sciury

January 2, 2017

I would like to extend my sincere and deepest condolences to the entire Caldwell family. May God give you strength during this very difficult time. I have been a friend of Dave for the past 35 years and have served with him on various committees. He will always be remembered as an honest, hard working union brother that one could always depend upon. I apologize for not being able to personally attend the calling hours and memorial service due to personal illness, but my thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.

Daniel F. Sciury, President
Hall of Fame Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO

The FTD Eternal Friendship Bouquet

Troy Riggenbach

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Mary & Jess Fleure

January 2, 2017

Our deepest sympathy to the family of David. He was a true champion unionist. His love and devotion to the labor movement will be missed. We are so sorry for your loss.

January 2, 2017

Dear Marybeth, Chad, Bones, Matthew and family Even though we are miles away in Arizona, our hearts have been with you since we received the call from Dave and Sherry. Life is not always fair, and this is truly one of those times. It is so sad for us knowing that we have lost not only Billy, but now Dave, too. The times spent in Columbus and the many good times will always be remembered. Danny says that he knows Dave was one of the most loyal and strong union men he has ever known. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and as time moves forward. Sincerely..Dan and Donna

don wood

January 2, 2017

god bless my friend dave . I have been with the usw since 1995, was with united rubber worker before that. Ever since i've met dave, he has always been good to me! always a good word from dave! HE will be missed so much from our union! God bless his wife and family. Sincerely, Don Wood & Local 2 L!!!

John Chapman

January 2, 2017

To the family of brother Caldwell's I am a member of Local 14 out of Toledo, Ohio and I am very sorry for your loss, Dave was a good guy and someone you could talk to. I will keep the family in my prayers and God don't make mistake he wants good people in is house to be with him to live for ever.

John Chapman

January 1, 2017

Sorry for your loss. I graduated with Dave, he was always such a nice guy. My prayers are with the family.

Theotis L. (Theo) James

January 1, 2017

To family and friends, May the Lord grant you peace, strength and comfort during this time of mourning, grief and heartache now and for all time in the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and friend. Dave was a true friend who always made time for all who needed time to talk or share a laugh, he will always be loved by all who knew him and he will be truly missed.

Vicki Jones Snavely

January 1, 2017

So sorry to hear of your loss, we went to school together, have lots of memories of Dave and the Caldwell family. Keeping you it my thoughts and prayers.

Tim O'Daniel

January 1, 2017

On behalf of the Officers and Executive Board of USW 1014L, I'd like to send our deepest sympathies to Brother Caldwell's family. He was a fine example of true unionism and his devotion to the labor movement was so apparent. He sure will be missed.

Tim O'Daniel, President Local 1014L

December 31, 2016

Chad and al sorry for your loss you two were very close to your dad nothing can take away the pain your going through, prayers are with you to and your families. Skip and pam laughery.

Ryan McCoy / USW Local 2173

December 31, 2016

Dave Caldwell was a great labor leader, and a special person who truly cared about trying to make the world a better place not only for working people, but for all those who are oppressed and forgotten in our society. He was always there for advice and to impart wisdom from his many years of experience. He was one of the most genuine and caring people I ever met, I will miss him but I will never forget him. Heaven holds a special place for a guy like Dave. Rest in peace my friend.

Nellie Caraballo

December 31, 2016

My heart is heavy with sadness. Dave was a one of a kind special guy, leader and freind. I will miss him, his laugh, and his stories. My prayers to Mary Beth and the family. May you find the strength and comfort in knowing that Dave is in the loving arms of our heavenly Father.

Matthew & Julie Becker

December 31, 2016

Yet another great leader of the Labor Movement taken too soon. Condolences to his family, his Union family and to all who knew him.

Doug Parmer

December 31, 2016

Al (Bones) And Family - Our hearts are heavy with sorrow at the untimely passing of your Father, Dave. Please take comfort in the knowledge that not only was he truly one-of-a-kind; America was a much better place for having had such a strong advocate for proud and hard working Americans. Bones, thank you for continuing on the road your Father started. You are all in our hearts and in our prayers. Godspeed - Ferf, Doug, Karen, Craig, and Ben Parmer

December 31, 2016

A great man!!! Was a leader in the labor movement and always spoke highly of his family. Dave will be missed by us all and has left great memories. God has called a true angel home. He will be missed here on earth but am positive that he will always be looking down on and watching over us. Such true inspiration to know such a great man. God speed

Brady Jones
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 189

Frank Papini

December 30, 2016

Dave was a great friend and Union Brother. I enjoyed my time being around him. He had a great sense of humor and was a strong leader. My prayers are for him, his wife and those he left behind.
Frank Papini, President S.O.A.R. Chapter 23-9 Martins Ferry, Ohio

Beth Sheridan

December 30, 2016

This is such a profound loss for all of us who were privileged to know and work with this kind, gentile man. May God bring peace and healing to his wonderful family. Dave's contribution to our Union is immeasurable. I personally will miss him greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Nanette Folsom

December 30, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May the many good memories help ease your pain throughout this difficult time.

Connie Brenstuhl

December 30, 2016

Condolences to Dave's family I meant him a few times, during some walks together, seemed to be a very nice guy. Again sorry for your loss.

Jimmy Starr

December 30, 2016

The world has lost a great man. Dave was committed to improving the lives of others and his leadership and wisdom will be missed by many. It was an honor to be a good friend of Dave's for over 30 years. Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed.

Amy Herring

December 30, 2016

Thoughts and prayers to your family at this difficult time. May you all find comfort in all the great memories of life with your dad, grandfather and friend.

Brian Rothenberg

December 30, 2016

Condolences to Dave's family. He made a difference in many lives.

Bill (Big Cat) Wright

December 30, 2016

Dave was a great friend who taught me about the true meaning of unionism. May God bless your soul and may you always be at the right hand of God.

Lisa Hadley

December 30, 2016

I'll never forget what a great USW brother. I have been around him at many events. His kindness and infectious smile made me always feel so comfortable. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I have been truly bless to have known such a wonderful person.

December 30, 2016

My deepest sympathy for you, Mary Beth and your children. I will Pray for all of you. I know what you all are going through, I just went through it.

Bill Estep
New Martinsville, WV

Marion Smith

December 30, 2016

Deepest sympathy,

Debbie Nutt

December 30, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless.

Gloria Smith

December 30, 2016

Sending our deepest condolences to his family. He was a great supporter of our local democratic efforts. He will be greatly missed. Licking County Democratic Party

Mary Jo Kilroy

December 30, 2016

I was stunned to learn of Dave's passing, leaving us far too soon. I was always appreciative of Dave's help and advice on my campaigns. and the support that he and the USW gave me. Organized labor in Central Ohio was stronger because of Dave, who was always a fighter for working people. I am sorry that I am out of town and will not be back for calling hours on Tuesday. My deepest condolences to Mary Beth and the entire family.

Grace Cherrington

December 30, 2016

Licking County and Pataskala Democrats will miss Dave. He was a great friend and help. Our thoughts and prayers for family and friends.

December 30, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love, Charlene and Gavin Kemmerly (Grove City OH)

Richard Kirk

December 29, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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