Visitation: Friday, February 14, 2025
Visitation Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Visitation Location: New Covenant Baptist Church
2210 S. Rio Grande Avenue
Orlando, Florida
Service Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
Service Time: 2:00 PM
Service Location: New Life COGIC
3311 N. Powers Drive
Orlando, Florida
Obituary:
Deacon Joe Louis Caldwell, 88, of Orlando, departed this life on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Deacon Caldwell was born on July 28, 1936 in Chapel Hill, NC to the late Sarah and Samuel Caldwell.
In 1966, Joe was blessed to be accepted into the Order of Freemasonry and was raised a Master Mason October, 1966 in Faith Lodge # 171, DeFuniak Springs, Florida where he later served as Junior Warden until his reassignment to Germany. In Germany he served as President of the Gelhausen – Hanau Masonic Club, Jurisdiction of Oklahoma until his second reassignment to Vietnam. Joe served as Worshipful Master of Jupiter Lodge # 22, Orlando, Florida, King, Bethel Chapter # 37, Holy Royal Arch Masons, Orlando, Florida, a member of Nero Prince # 5, Royal and Select Masons, Orlando, Florida, a member of Mars Hill Commandry # 11, Knight Templar Masons, Orlando, Florida, Commander in Chief of City Beautiful Consistory # 297, Orlando, Florida, elevated to the Honorary Thirty Third Degree, October, 1988, Washington, D.C. He was appointed Deputy for the Orient of Florida, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, PHA., Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A. by Sovereign Grand Commander Edgar Bridges, July 2001. HPGM, MWUGL, Florida, Belize C.A., HPGHP, HRAM., HPGTIM, RSM., HPGEC, KTM., HPP, A.E.A.O.N.M.S.
While in the military Joe served tours of duty in more than six foreign countries including two tours in Vietnam in Airborne , Ranger and Special Operations units. After being wounded during his Vietnam experience, he received the Purple Heart Medal and more than thirteen other combat and non-combat medals, citations and decorations. Among those are Master Parachutist wings (over 300 jumps), the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (2nd award), the Presidential Citation, the Air Medal (2nd award) and others.
Upon his retirement from the Army in 1975, Joe obtained his A.A. degree from Valencia Community College, Orlando, Florida and later his B.S. Degree in Sociology from Florida Southern College, Lakeland, Florida.
In 1976, Joe was employed by the Orange County Sheriffs Department (Corrections Division) where he established and implemented the first classification system within the Orange County Florida Department of Corrections.
In addition to his career and professional duties, Joe was an active member of the NAACP, Valencia College Black Advisory Council, Pine Hills Community Council, and the Safe Neighborhood Council.
Deacon Caldwell was an active and faithful member of New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando. He served in several capacities. He was a servant of God who feared and loved the Lord with all his heart until his last breath. He was a devoted father, brother, grandfather and friend who will be deeply missed and cherished by all who knew him.
Deacon Caldwell breathed his last breath and put on his new robe of glory on February 4th. His ministry and legacy will live on in the hearts of his beloved children, Melanie (Warren) Caldwell-Rutland; son, Stephen Caldwell; sisters, Emma Fowler, Laura Walker; 5 grandchildren, the entire Caldwell family, colleagues he served with, church family and numerous friends. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025 from 5-7PM at New Covenant Baptist Church, 2210 S. Rio Grande Avenue, Orlando. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, 2:00 PM at New Life COGIC, 3311 N. Powers Drive, Orlando with Pastor Leroy Rose III, Officiating. Interment: Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims with full military honors.
3 Comments
The illustrious Joe Louis Caldwell 33 will be missed may his soul rest in the care of GATOU..
Ir seems I’ve known him all of my life. His roadtrips with my dad in his early Airborne days. He fell in love with Julia Gerideau and they were married up until her death. He was loved by his near and distant family, his children grandchildren, nieces and nephew. We will miss him but we can never forget him. RIP Uncle.
Uncle Joe was a special part of our family. Whenever we drove from NY to Orlando for summer vacations, I spent much of my time with my cousin’s Stephen and Mel, and Uncle Joe and Aunt Julia always made me feel like one of their own kids, which was special. Over the past 15 years, uncle joe and I would communicate often via Facebook or text, and I was always thrilled to hear from him. I would often send him pictures of he and Aunt Julia from years ago, when they were enjoying being young adults. You could tell they loved life, and loved each other. Uncle Joe was also very well known for his INCREDIBLE secret recipe ribs and fried fish that he would always break out at the family reunions. Uncle Joe, you touched the hearts of many, and we will always remember you. Until we see you again. RIP
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