Charles Caldwell

Charles Herbert Caldwell of Ojai/Ventura was born at home in Avila (Beach), CA November 17, 1920 to Charles F. and Casilda (Putney) Caldwell the oldest of three boys (Charles, Fred and Bill). Charles died in Ojai, CA June 11, 2011 at age 90.

He had an idyllic childhood roaming the hills and beaches of Avila and had many tales of living through the bootlegging 30’s of that area. He graduated from San Luis Obispo High School and attended college until the start of WWII. Joining the Air force he became an instructor and pilot. He flew B-24’s in the 467 Bomb Group, 8th Air Force out of Rackheath, England flying 35 missions + 9 gas ones to Patton’s troops. While training in Arizona he met his future wife, Eloyce M. (McGee). They were married in Colorado Springs, CO May 31st, 1944. Their union produced three sons C. James, Michael and Joseph.

After The War Charles joined his father working for 76 Union Oil in Avila and later moved to Ventura to retire with the company after 37 years as a gauger in Santa Paula. While in Avila, Charles survived a pier fueling explosion that killed everyone around him. He caught polio in 1956 that affected the mobility of one leg. In 1958 the family moved to Ventura.

He loved to hunt and fish but mostly loved to camp in the Sierras. Many Thanksgivings were spent in the Panament Mountains camping with friends and family. Charles also enjoyed coaching and attending his boy’s sports and scouting events. He joined the Odd Fellows in 1953 and was a Grand Marshall.

Charlie survived many illnesses including being a 52 year diabetic. After a particularly sever bout of septic poisoning he moved to Ojai to live 2-1/2 years with his son, Michael and family. He loved watching the Dodgers and getting out in the orchard with his hoe cutting weeds. Charlie had a remarkable memory and sense of humor to his last days.

He was predeceased by sons Joe (1969) and James (2009), Brothers Bill (1960) and Fred (1979), and parents Charles F. (1960) and Casilda (1962). Charles is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eloyce M (McGee) Caldwell; James’ widow, Judy; their children Amy Troman (Paul), Michael A. Caldwell, and Megan Caldwell and granddaughter, Ada Troman, all of Ventura. He is also survived by son, Michael D. (Joanne) Caldwell, and granddaughter, Kerry Jo Caldwell of Ojai.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 17th at the Charles Carroll Funeral Home, Ventura. Interment will be at Ivy Lawn. Following, a reception will be held at Charles’ former home, 54 N. Wake Forrest. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the California State Parks Foundation.