David Allen Caldwell

June 6, 1942 "D Day" was also the date David Allen Caldwell was born to Clifford and Evelyn (Nieman) Caldwell. The eldest of four children, he is survived by his sister, Marge and brother Doug. He was predeceased by his brother, Dennis. Dave attended Roseville Schools and earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and track which awarded him the Outstanding Senior Athlete Award. He graduated on June 16, 1960.

Dave attended Eastern Michigan University and still competed in varsity sports. In track, he was a hurdler and high jumper. He wrestled and participated in the rifle club. He was a member of the Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity. Originally wanting to be an architect, he became bored with the hours of drafting and majored in Physical Education with a Mathematics minor. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree on January 28, 1965. Immediately after graduation, he returned to Roseville for his first teaching job in elementary schools. He also worked in Jr. High School, but spent the majority if his 34 years of teaching at the high school level. He married Joan Snyder in the spring of 1966. While teaching full time, he commuted back to EMU to earn his Master's Degree on October 3, 1969. He and Joan had one daughter, Susan, who was born on July 11, 1970.

Dave enjoyed coaching JV basketball, football, and varsity track and cross country. He was an avid bowler for a men's and teacher's league. Dave was active in the AFT Teachers' Union, even serving as a state representative for conventions.

He married Wendy Rigby on July 22, 1977 and they had four children: Steven, Kelly, Jacqueline, and Kara. Dave joined the Detroit Power Squadron in 1979 and became their Commander in 1999. He earned the rank of Junior Navigation and earned 45 Merir Marks for his service. Dave received the J.L. Peter's Award in 1990 for outstanding service to the squadron for that year. He was also recognized for outstanding service to the squadron for that year. He was also recognized for his contributions in boating education by receiving the P/C Howard Hyatt Navigator Memorial Award in 2009. He enjoyed having various boats: a 25" Carver Santa Cruz named "Y Knot", a 32' Chris Craft Roamer entitled "Northern Comfort", and his last boat, a wooden 26' Skiff Craft called "Summer Dream", but due to the yellow strip and blazing yellow canvas, his DPS buddies nicknamed it "Ole Yeller"

Dave was a railroad enthusiast since childhood having an N Gauge railroad as an adult. He became a member of the Lakeshore Garden Railroad Club after meeting Bob Greening in Grosse Pointe (who had a backyard G scale layout), while he and Wendy were on a Garden Tours of homes in that area. He later became President of the club for ten years.

In later years, his health declined, causing multiple falls, hospitalizations, and rehab visits. Eventually, her was no longer able to be cared for at home and was placed in an adult care home in September 2023. He passed peacefully on December 20, 2023.

His legacy will be cared on by his grandchildren: Justin, Gabriel, Adrielle, Tristram, Israel, Sibelia, James, Scarlett, Jack, Jacob, and James.

The family will greet guests from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp., Michigan. Memorial service will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 11:00am at the above location. Visitation from 10:00am until time of service at 11:00am.

The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be directed to Roseville Community Schools Scholarship fund (Rosevillecs.Revtrak.net) or The Michigan Humane Society (give.MichiganHumane.org)