Willard Caldwell, 86, of Saint Marys, died Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Van Crest of Saint Marys. He was born January 7, 1935, in Pineville, Kentucky, the son of William and Mossie (Rhymer) Caldwell. He married Gladys Hensley on August 18, 1955, in Portland, Indiana, and she survives at the residence.

He is survived by his son Darrell Caldwell; by his grandson, Travis (Audrey) Nuttle of Rockford, Ohio; by his great-grandsons, Dylan Nuttle; Porter Temple and Pierce Temple. He is survived by a "daughter-in-love", Belinda (Joe) Nuttle of Van Wert, and by her daughter, Ashley (Joel) Temple of Rockford. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Jan Short; Sophia Longworth and Carolyn Caldwell; by his nieces and nephews: Sam (Jodi) Caldwell; Brendan (Dawn) Caldwell; Tom Black; Roger Black; Bob Black; Eddie Black; Roy Black; Connie Yaney; Brenda Haines.

He is survived by his step-sisters, Jane Tomberlin and Mary Lou Roby.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by his sister, Loretta Black; his brother, William Caldwell, Jr.; by his wife's parents, Charles and Dora Markley.

Willard was a graduate of Saint Marys Memorial High School. He worked at the former Weston Paper Mill, in Saint Marys, and served 30 years at New Idea in Coldwater. He also worked at Miller-Long and Folk Funeral Homes after retirement.

In 1998, Willard and Gladys moved to Sevierville, Tennessee, where they worked as ushers at the Louise Mandrell Theatre in Pigeon Forge, and also with the Triumphant Gospel Quartet. Willard's life was devoted to God and the service and outreach of the Hillsdale Baptist Church in Saint Marys. He was the first ordained deacon of that church in 1965, and he was the worship song leader for more than 20 years. He helped start mission churches in Celina, Van Wert and Convoy, and worked serving migrants in the area.

Willard will be remembered for his very kind, friendly personality, and his concern for others. He was a true Southern Gentleman who served the Lord with all his heart.

Funeral rites will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at the Hillsdale Baptist Church in Saint Marys, Pastor Mike Smith, officiant. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Tuesday at the Miller-Long and Folk Funeral Home, 314 West High Street, Saint Marys.
All visitors to the funeral home and church are required to wear a mask, in accordance with the mandates of the Ohio Department of Health.

Condolences may be sent to Willard's family via Millerfuneralhomes.net