K.C. Caldwell

Kenneth Curtis "K.C." Caldwell, 97, of Monett, MO, passed from this life to his eternal home on Saturday morning, January 4, 2025.
K.C., as he was called by most, was born on June 13, 1927, in Bartlesville, OK, to Otto and Lura Belle (Duncan) Caldwell. He graduated from Monett High School with the class of 1945 and later earned his associate's degree from Monett Junior College. Before he began his working career, K.C. enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 14, 1945. He was honorably discharged on July 25, 1946. K.C. enjoyed a long career with the U.S. Postal Service. K.C. had a generous heart and kind spirit, always lending a hand where it was needed. He was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder. He was also a member of the Lions Club and started the Monett Leos Club Chapter. He served on the Board of Crosslines, Treasurer for the Monett Senior Center and volunteered at the Monett Historical Museum. During his free time, K.C. enjoyed woodworking, stained glass, fishing, gardening, genealogy and spending time with his family.
On November 18, 1951, K.C. married Marjorie Ann Cuendet in Monett. To this union, they were blessed with over 56 years of wonderful memories and three children. Marjorie preceded K.C. in death on March 11, 2008. Also preceding him in death are his parents and one brother, Vernal "Pooch" Caldwell.
K.C. is survived by one son, Richard Caldwell and wife Amy, of Athens, AL, two daughters, Lynne Ann Caldwell-Smith and husband Linc, of Tulsa, OK and Melinda Kay Caldwell, of Harrison, AR; five grandchildren, Alice Caldwell Allen and husband Chase, Sally Caldwell Cole and husband Steven, Andrew Smith and wife Maddy, Aaron Smith and fiancé Caroline Edelmaier, and Skylar Caldwell. K.C. was blessed with four great-grandchildren, Ann Adele Allen, Woods Allen, Casey Cole and Porter Smith; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. K.C. leaves behind a wonderful friend and companion, Mary Buchannan, of Monett. They have shared the last 15 years dancing and making the most of life.
K.C. was a beloved member of the Monett community and will be forever remembered and missed by all who loved and knew him.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Buchanan Funeral Home with Mike Garrett officiating. Interment will follow in the Waldensian Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at Buchanan Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.