Thomas William "Bill" Caldwell

Thomas William “Bill” Caldwell, 80, passed away on the 18th of September, 2020, at St. Marks Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He was born October 9, 1939, to Margaret Louise Gardner and Silas Gerald “Gay” Caldwell.  Bill married LaRena Gwen Massey on June 25th, 1959, in the Logan Temple. 

Bill was a dedicated and professional educator who graduated from Utah State University and later received his Master of Teaching degree from Southeastern State College in Durrant, Oklahoma.  From the University of Utah, he received his Education Specialist degree.  The State of Utah recognized his administrative k-12 and secondary education 6-12 certificates, which included a math level three certificate, physical education and biological science certificates. During his career Bill received the Elizabeth Houghton Award in special recognition of leadership and service to students and families by the National Association of Leadership for Student Assisted Programs.

During his career, he served as teacher, coach of football, basketball, track and wrestling.  He was also an assistant principal at Roy High School, and principal at Walquist Junior High School in Weber County School District.  He was Uintah High School principal and Vernal Middle School’s principal, assistant to the Superintendent and director of after school programs for Uintah School District as well as a Math professor for Utah State University.  

During his college years, he spent his summers as a derrickman, in the oilfield and worked in the Gilsonite mine, as well as working on the family farm.  Bill was a lover of animals, gardens, and found peace in the out of doors, where he hunted and enjoyed catching two fish on the same line while fishing.  He spent many hours teaching his children and his grandchildren the love of outdoors and the beauty of God’s creations, as well as helping each and every one with their piano practices.  

Bill was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he served in positions from pianist for the Primary to High Council Member, Bishop and Stake Patriarch. Bill stood for all things clean and meritable. 

Bill is survived by his wife, LaRena, children Richard William Caldwell, MarKay Anderson, Eric Richard Caldwell and William Andrew Caldwell, son-in-law Darin L. Anderson, daughter-in-law Hanna R. Caldwell and four grandchildren, Tyra and MaKayla Anderson, Mia and Livy Caldwell. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Allen Caldwell of Friendship, Wisconsin, and sisters Kathleen Nelson of Rexburg, Idaho, Geraldine Hawley of Annabella, Utah, and Margaret Hackler of Vernal. 

Funeral services will be held at the Maeser State Center at 11:00 a.m. Saturday September 26, 2020.  Friends may call at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary from4-8 PM on Friday, September 25th. Family is requesting that masks be worn. Interment will be in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery under the direction of the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.