Willie Frank Caldwell Sr.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,  but unto all them also that love his appearing.”  II Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)

Bro. Willie Frank Caldwell passed on Tuesday June 6th, 2023, at the age of 57, after a long courageous battle. He was born December 15th, 1965, in Batesville, MS, to the union of Albert and Minnie Lee Caldwell. He was the 11th of 12 children. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1984. He confessed his hope in Christ and was baptized at 12 years old. He was a member of Israelite MB Church in Benton Harbor, MI, under the leadership of the late Pastor Joe Bruins. Where he served as a trustee and played the guitar for many years. He later joined New Bethel MB Church, under the leadership of Pastor Maurice McAfee.

Willie met the love of his life Wanda Blue, and married her on April 23rd, 1994, and to their union they had one son William Caldwell. They knew that they were soulmates because they always had the same vision on what they wanted in life. They worked hard together to build the life that they always dreamed of, and they accomplished it.

Bro. Willie was a hard worker; he was able to secure his very first job through the Benton Harbor Skills Center at 16 years of age, at Ridge and Kramer. He was maintenance supervisor at Harbor Pointe Apartments for over 20 plus years. Prior to his illness he was employed at Berrien County Jail. He was a “JACK OF ALL TRADES”, everyone called on him for everything, from car repair to plumbing and home repairs, if he put his mind to it, he could accomplish anything. When Google came along, they became the best of friends…. he found the video and skillfully accomplished the task! He was a motorcycle enthusiast and loved riding his motorcycle. He was a loving husband, father, son, and friend.  Willie had a heart of gold, especially for his children, nieces, and nephews. He will be truly missed by those who loved him.

Willie leaves to cherish his memories in the heart of his loving wife, Wanda Caldwell; sons, Willie Frank Caldwell Jr., William Deshun Caldwell (La’Keisha), and his one and only Baby Girl, Keoma Nicole LaShay Mathis (Erik). He loved all his grandchildren dearly, John, JaKayla, Jaida, Laia, Damon, Willie, Dontrell, Delaymea, De’asia, and De’Antwan and four great grandchildren;  his siblings, Janie Chapman of Batesville, MS, Josephine Caldwell (Lorenzo), Jimmie Caldwell (Mary), Albert Caldwell Jr., Robert (Sonya) Caldwell, all of Benton Harbor, MI. Rena (FC) Paris of Memphis, TN, Marla Blue, Rodney (Linda) Johnson, Vertilla Caldwell all of Benton Harbor, MI. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Minnie Lee Caldwell Sr.; mother and father-in law, Leroy and Rosie Johnson; siblings, Dorothy Caldwell, Frank Caldwell, James Caldwell, Mary Thomas, Catherine Caldwell and Bobby Jo; sister-in-law, Nina Blue, and brother-in-law Michael Johnson.

Our beloved Willie fought a good fight…he finished his course and kept the faith and there is a crown of righteousness awaiting him.   His season has ended but his memories will live on!

Arrangements have been entrusted to Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.