LCDR Robert "Bob" Trapnell Caldwell

LCDR Robert “Bob” Caldwell (USN Ret.), age 104, passed away peacefully at his home on August 14, 2025. Bob was born July 14, 1921, in Interlachen, Florida to the Rev. Robert and Viva Caldwell. Six years later, he had a brother, Roy Wright Caldwell born to the family in Trapnell, Florida where their father was a Methodist pastor. They moved from one charge to another over the years in their youth. It was in Mulberry, Florida that Bob attended and graduated from Mulberry High School while his father was a pastor at Mulberry Methodist Church. He then attended Florida Southern College from 1938 to 1942, where he blew his bugle for change of classes as they had no electronic bell system. He graduated from Florida Southern College in 1942 and also received his private pilot’s license on the same day. Bob met his future wife Mildred at a city-wide vacation Bible school in Mulberry, Florida. He was commissioned into the United States Navy in June 1943 as a naval aviator. He then went to the Pacific Theatre in WWII where he flew a PBMC3 mariner seaplane in reconnaissance missions searching for Japanese submarines and ships. He was instrumental in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Before he returned to the states Bob called long distance to propose to Mildred, and she said yes. They were married on May 5, 1945 at the Methodist Church in Corpus Christie, Texas. He flew in the US Navy for a total of 22 years, retiring on October 31, 1963. He then moved his family in December 1963 to Tallahassee, Florida to work for the Florida Department of Education in the Technical/Vocational Division. During his tenure, 35 technical centers were established around Florida, and programs were extended to community colleges and high schools. He loved his job and did not retire until age 75. While living in Tallahassee Bob’s family became members of St. Paul’s Methodist Church, where all enjoyed his wonderful bass voice for 49 years. Bob and Mildred were also members of the Burleigh Law Sunday School Class for 49 years and he was secretary of the board of the Methodist Children’s Home for 8 years. Bob and Mildred enjoyed many activities: delivering Meals on Wheels for 15 years, traveling to Navy Squadron Reunions around the US and their famous supper club. They also loved FSU football games, BBQs, trips to the beach and spending time in the mountains with their children and grandchildren. His hobbies were cars and trains. He is survived by his daughters, Janet Clark, Anne Schroeder (Hans) and son Terry Caldwell (Cindy); grandchildren, Lee Anne (Anthony), Sarah Beth (Rob), Robby (Nicole), Carson, Susannah (JT) and Lilah; great-grandchildren, Amanda (Alex), Blaze, Cameryn, Kenneth, Dane and Evva Katherine as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Viva Caldwell; brother Roy Caldwell; granddaughter Katherine Schroeder and grandson Trap Clark as well as a son-in-law, Bobby Clark. Thank you to the wonderful caregivers Bob was graciously cared for through Right At Home. A special thanks to Janaie, J.B. and Rachael. The funeral service will be at 2:00PM on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1700 N Meridian Road in Tallahassee with a reception immediately following in Sanders Hall. The interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Residing Hope (Florida Methodist Children’s Home https://residinghope.org/ ) or to Big Bend Hospice ( https://bigbendhospice.org/ ). Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Caldwell family with their arrangements.

Tributes

LCDR Robert "Bob" Trapnell Caldwell

July 14, 1921 - August 14, 2025