Harold Dean "Tex" Caldwell

Harold Dean Caldwell passed away in the comfort of his home on March 2, 2025, at the age of 90, after a prolonged battle with dementia.

Born on February 4, 1935, in the small town of Cameron, Texas, Dean, the name he went by, was the cherished second of four living children born to Berry and Lois Caldwell (née Waterson). Times were tough, and money was tight for this poor working-class family. However, what they lacked in material things was made up for by their parents' guidance and determination to raise their sons to be respectful and honest men of integrity. Dean grew into a young man of exceptional moral character and a strong sense of right and wrong. Shortly after graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country.

While stationed at NAS Whidbey in Washington State, Dean met the love of his life, Kathleen Euvon O'Connell, at the on-base roller rink. She accepted when he asked to take her out but realized he had no extra cash. He devised a solution as a troubleshooter: He sold his spare tire to take her on a nice date. On September 7, 1956, after a whirlwind romance, they wed, leading to a decades-long marriage, just shy of 50 years, and created a large, close-knit family. Around this time, Dean acquired the nickname "Tex" for obvious reasons.

After a transfer to NAS North Island in California, Tex and Kathleen settled in Imperial Beach. Dean's Westpac deployments were on the USS Kitty Hawk, the USS Constellation, and the USS Ticonderoga. He successfully kept his family in San Diego for nearly all of his career, only having to uproot them once after receiving orders for a nine-month stint at Jacksonville Naval Air Station in Florida. After that, they returned to their San Diego home.

In 1977, Tex and Kathleen moved their family 40 miles northeast of Imperial Beach to the Granite Hills area of El Cajon, just a few miles from their friends, Merlin and Sue Warner. The property was large enough to accommodate our menagerie of livestock and pets: four horses, a pony, a steer, chickens, a turkey, a sheep, a goat, a couple of dogs, a couple of cats, and lots of rabbits.

Tex was a natural leader, and he passed that trait along to his children by example, a testament to Papa's influence and impact on shaping their character.

Tex always protected Kathleen from the realities and dangers he may have faced while deployed. She was flabbergasted and a bit peeved when she overheard Dad and Patrick discussing the true nature of his assignments during his deployments: that he was a Helicopter Door Gunner in Vietnam and not just an electrician who never left the ship's relative safety. If I recall correctly, her response to this news was: "Tex, you asshole."

Tex received many commendations for his exceptional achievements, leadership ability, bravery, and heroism in combat and non-combat environments. After 22 years of outstanding service and dedication to his country, he ultimately retired as Senior Chief Petty Officer E-8, leaving a legacy of honor and commitment.

After retiring from active duty, Tex began a 20-year career in civil service. He was instrumental in maintaining the mechanical integrity of the Blue Angels' F/A-18 Hornets, formally known as the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. His leadership and attention to detail were again prominent.

Upon retiring from civil service, Tex and Kathleen discovered their little slice of heaven. They acquired five picturesque acres in Stevensville, Montana, which they affectionately named "High Hopes Ranch." Tex designed and built a cabin that became their sanctuary, resulting in countless cherished memories for the family. What made it even sweeter was that their best friends, Boyd and Karen Mason, had also settled in Stevi.

After dinner, it was time to saddle the horses and head out for a trail ride with the grandchildren. As darkness fell, Papa, with a smile and hand on hip, waited for his four-year-old horse-crazy granddaughter to finish picking her horse's hooves, a job she took so seriously that it couldn't be rushed even if it meant Papa was going to miss the 10:00 news broadcast. Papa cherished moments like this with each of his grandchildren. Always patient and loving, he taught them the same values of responsibility and commitment that he had instilled in his children.

In 2006, Dean faced unimaginable heartache and despair when his beloved Kathleen was diagnosed with cancer in December of 2005 and given three months to live. Our Honey passed on March 25, 2006. Papa completely shut down, and the family was worried sick. However, fate had brighter days in store for him. He found companionship with Sharon Koger that blossomed into a romance. They married on September 22, 2008. Sharon has the undying gratitude of the Caldwell family for her presence in Dad's life. We do not doubt that she saved our father by bringing back the love, light, and happiness that had been missing and he desperately needed in his life since the loss of his Kathleen. Sharon selflessly and tirelessly looked after Tex through his illness, rarely leaving his side and advocating for what was in his best interests as his health declined. Her love and care were a beacon of hope in our darkest days, and we will be forever grateful for her unwavering support of Dad.

The family also would like to acknowledge our deep appreciation to Kimberly Fraizer for the support she gave Shari in caring for Papa in his final days. It is impossible to imagine anyone else being able to fill the role she played in caring for Dad with genuine love and kindness and keeping him as comfortable as possible.

Tex was preceded in death by his beloved eldest daughter, Lucinda Ann Mello, and his great-grandson, Jayden Geter. He and Sharon lit remembrance candles in their honor every morning.

Tex is survived by his wife, Sharon Caldwell (née Koger); sons Patrick Dean [Sandra Kay] and Joseph Michael [Kimberly]; daughters Leslie Aurelia [Christian] Contreras and Suzanna Marie [Stephen] Kedward; daughter Laura Lynn Koger; brother-in-law, Timothy O'Connell [Christy Townsend] son-in-law, Richard [Lucinda Ann] Mello; his grandchildren and their spouses/partners: Christopher [Rachel] Mello; Loralyn [Ryan] Cook; Brittany [Tevy] Mello; Bethany [Joe] Santos; Jordan [Alisha] Caldwell; Ashlyn [Jason] Ochoa; Sarah [Joshua] Gipson; Megan Kedward [Jacob] Spradlin; Erin Kedward [Taylor] Voth; Alex [Danielle] Caldwell; Jessica Caldwell; Glen [Angelin] Caldwell; Brandon Garcia Campbell; Rosie Reberger; Andrew Reberger; Joshua Reberger; Logan Reberger; Aislyne Reberger; Makenna Reberger; Daniel O'Connell; Matthew [Lainee] O'Connell; Scott O'Connell; Misty Lee Kobi and Chuckie Gordon. Twenty-six great-grandchildren also survive Papa.

Tex's legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the family he nurtured throughout his remarkable 90-year journey on earth. We celebrate a life lived with purpose, integrity, and boundless love that emanated from the deep roots he built in family and community and continues to give us strength to carry on with him in our hearts.

Tex and his late wife Kathleen's ashes will be interred at 11:00 A.M. on March 27, 2025, at Miramar National Cemetery, with Tex receiving full Navy Honors. A reception will follow at the VFW Hall, 136 Chambers St, El Cajon, from 12:00 to 4:00 P.M.