David Lee Caldwell

David Lee Caldwell, 65, of Pataskala, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 26, 2016 at Grant Medical Center. He was born on December 4, 1951 in Columbus, OH, a son to the late William and Virginia (Sullivan) Caldwell. Dave was a graduate of Licking Heights in 1970. He was a member of several organizations; the Union Sportsmen Alliance, CBTU, NAACP, APRI, CLUW, Licking Co. Democratic Party, Franklin Co. Democratic Party and Ohio Democratic Party. Dave was a very proud second generation steel worker and in June 9, 1970 he began working with Buckeye Steel Castings, becoming a proud member of USW Local 2342 and is still a member to this day. In 1976 he was elected Grievance Chair of Local 2342, in 1988 he was elected President of Local 2342 and in 1995 put on staff with the United Steelworkers International Union. Dave was elected President of the Central Ohio Central Labor Council and appointed to the Ohio AFL-CIO Executive Board in 1998. In 2000 he was appointed the USW Sub 3 Director; in 2006 he was appointed to the AFL-CIO Executive Committee and USW Assistant to the Director. The following year in 2007 Dave was appointed by Gov. Ted Strickland to the Bureau of Workers Compensation Board of Directors. Dave created The Workers Memorial Park in Columbus, OH, that is the only park in the United States dedicated to fallen workers. Not only will Dave be deeply missed by his family, but also by his Union brothers, Union sisters and countless others. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Beth; sons, Chad David (Briana), Al “Bones” and Matthew Wishon; grandchildren, William, Lexie, Grant and Blake; siblings, Anna Hughes, Paul (Sue), Danny (Rita), Pam (Roy) Hundley and Tami Behr and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dave is also preceded in death by his brother, William and sister, Dee Conklin. Friends may call from 1-3 and 4-6 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Tall Timbers Banquet, 13831 National Rd. SW, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068. Service will follow at 6:00 pm. The family will be having a private service at KAUBER-FRALEY FUNERAL HOME on Wednesday. Burial will follow at Pataskala Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the “USW Education Fund”, United Steelworkers, 60 BLVD of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. The fund supports the Leadership Scholarship Program for USW activists. In the memo line please indicate “In memory of David Caldwell”. Here are some of Dave’s words of wisdom that he lived; “Buy Union and Buy American while there is still time”, “Mourn for the Dead and fight like hell for the living” and “Thou shall not SCAB”.