Leo Loyd Caldwell

Leo Loyd Caldwell, 86, of Lake City, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Leo was born on November 17, 1926 to Arthur and Truie Qualls Caldwell. A lifetime resident of Lake City, he was a retired farmer and carpenter. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy in the Pacific theater during World War II. A man of deep faith in his Lord Jesus Christ, Leo also served as a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Lake City for many years.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, and an active member of this community, Leo is survived by many close friends and family members including: his wife of more than 65 years, Ruby Caldwell, of the home; a daughter, Ramona Smith, of Lake City; a son, Dr. Eddy Caldwell, of Jonesboro; Nick Coltharp of Jonesboro; two grandsons, Greg Smith and wife, Angie, of Lake City, and Erron Smith and wife , Libby, of Bentonville; one granddaughter, Dr. Ashley Brewer and husband, Colby, of Jonesboro; eight great-grandchildren, Lauren and Grant Smith of Lake City, Bryson, Burkeley, and Bevan Brewer of Jonesboro, Olivia, Brett, and Genevieve Smith of Bentonville; two sisters, Juanita Hickman of Black Oak and Neil Allen of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; and his brothers- and sisters-in law, Harold and Ida Barker, Marie Wall, Ray South, and Joan Caldwell, all of Lake City, and Geraldine Caldwell Wright of Jonesboro; and several nieces and nephews. In addition, Leo is survived by valued family friend and caregiver, Sandra Mayfield.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Don Caldwell and Kenneth Caldwell, and a son-in-law, Lynn Smith, all of Lake City.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery on Tuesday, April 16, at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Greg Rainwater officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Gary Qualls, Teddy Qualls, Greg James, Kim Barker, Tony Hickman, Mitchell Don Caldwell, Brannon Qualls and Blake Robertson will serve as pallbearers. There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends and family consider making lasting memorials to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House at St. Bernards, c/o the St. Bernards Development Foundation, 400 East Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401, or to the First Baptist Church of Lake City, 700 4th Street, Lake City, AR 72437