Colonel George Milton Caldwell

Colonel George Milton Caldwell Utah Air National Guard, Ret, passed away quietly on November 17, 2009 at his home in Zion Summit Condominiums in Salt Lake City.

George was born December 28th, 1921 in Logan, Utah to George Caldwell and Mary Amelia Allen Caldwell. He grew up in Benida, Idaho and graduated from Preston High School. As a young man, he left the rural life to attend LDS Business College in Salt Lake City. While there, he met and married Gayle Louise Patterson, in the Salt Lake Temple, solemnized on January 16th, 1942. This wonderful union lasted until Gayle's death on June 25th, 2003.

George served his country in three wars: WWII, Korea and Vietnam. During WWII, George entered the Service in the Army Air Corps and went on to become a flight training instructor. He earned his pilot's wings at the age of 20. He later served as a fighter pilot instructor during the Korean War, taking his family with him while based in Yokohama, Japan. George flew all types of planes, the jet fighter was his favorite. Between wars, he was in the Utah Air National Guard, where he soon became squadron commander, and later served as base commander of the 151st Air Transport Group for many years before he retired. Utah Air National Guard received the National Outstanding Unit Award under his leadership. He retired from military duty on July 1st, 1974.

George and Gayle are the parents of four beloved children: Cheryl BeHaan (Greg), twins Richard Caldwell (Sheri) and Raymond Caldwell (Danita) and Bruce Caldwell (Nicole).

George and Gayle have over 90 posterity, each one a choice spirit. George was 6 feet 5 inches tall and towered over most men in his unit. Although he was a trained warrior, his heart was filled with kindness and love. He loved his men and they loved him.

George was a spiritual man, having served the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in many callings including bishop. After his retirement, he and Gayle served two missions and as ordinance workers in the Salt Lake Temple for over 20 years.

George married his second wife, Marijean (Jean) Robinson on January 4th, 2005. They had met as temple workers in the Salt Lake Temple, but it was closed in January, so they chose to be married in the Jordan River Temple.

George loved flying, skiing, motorcycling, tennis, hang-gliding, and sailing. He and Gayle traveled across America in their motor home, many times.

George is survived by his wife Marijean Caldwell, his brother Dean Caldwell, his sister Mae Davis, his children Cheryl, Richard, Raymond and Bruce, and an extensive progeny of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

George's family wish to thank Nubia and Rita and all the Hospice workers who gave so much of their time and love to George. We also want to thank our beloved Annie and all the people from At Home Personal Care who were so loving to George in his last months.

Funeral services for George will be held Monday, November 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Salt Lake Stake Center, 142 West 200 North, Salt Lake City. Friends and family can visit Sunday evening at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and at the church Monday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment: Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to the family at: www.holbrookmortuary.com