Gary C. Caldwell

Gary Chapman “Chip” “Gory” Caldwell, 78, of Fleming, OH passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025 in his home surrounded by his family and wife of nearly 60 years.

He was born on June 10, 1947 in Scarbro, WV to the late Margaret Evans Newbanks and Frank Caldwell, Sr. Besides his parents, he is proceeded in death by his son Matthew Caldwell at the age of 13, and two sisters Patricia Farnsworth and Nancy Wright.

He is survived by his loving wife Linda Caldwell, whom he married on October 30, 1965; daughters Melissa (Richard) Shea, Debora (Robert) Boyd, and Rhonda (Jim) Hower all of Marietta, OH; son Rusty (Kari) Caldwell of Waterford, OH; grandchildren Eric (Casey) Shea, Trisha (Joseph) Eller, Darrin (Brittany) Legleitner, Kyle Legleitner (Ashley); Tonya Boyd (Tyler West), Karissa Caldwell, and Karinna Caldwell; great-grandchildren Thaddaeus Shea, Gabriel Shea, Owen Eller, Blake Eller, Devon Legleitner, and Dylan Legleitner; step grandchildren Matthew Boyd, Andrew Boyd, Sarah Romans, Christina Hower, Jamie Hower, and Jennifer Hower; several step great-grandchildren Tyler Sargent, MacKenzie, Kaylea, Joel, Tyler Nevels, Nick, Faith, Malayla, Emma, Xavier, Otilio, Kianna, and Dominic; two sisters Linda Showalter (David) Walker; Terri (Tim) Mathews; one brother Frank (Bethel) Caldwell JR; two sister-in-laws Sandra (Jerry) Self; Chriss Dowdy; two brother-in-laws Patrick (Karen) Dickinson; and Michael (Tim Dick) Dickinson; a special nephew Timothy Treadway who lived in Gary and Linda’s home for several years; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gary graduated from Warren High School in 1965. He started working at an early age of 12 helping to provide for his family, and he dedicated his life to serving others. He was a volunteer fire fighter at the Warren Fire Station for over 15 years and was a lieutenant in charge of a pumper truck. He owned and operated Gary’s Towing which he started in 1979 and worked until 2023. Gary came to the rescue of many and was a mentor and friend to his employees, customers, and neighbors. He and his wife owned and operated the 50-A Carry Out in Fleming, OH for 23 years. He was a member of the Basilica of St Mary’s, volunteered for Saint Vincent De Paul Society, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Gary and Linda belonged to the Goldwing Chapter OH-A3 Motorcycle Club and were active members of the Towing and Recovery Association of Ohio. Gary enjoyed playing poker on Friday nights; breakfast gatherings on Saturday morning at local restaurants with friends, traveling with his family, and participating in car shows. He loved dining out with family and friends and enjoyed homemade peach pies made by Marilyn.

His legacy isn’t settled in his wife, brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, or businesses that he built. He has shown love and compassion for generations of people. The world lost an amazing person. He was always selflessly giving to others; displaying empathy and compassion; encouraging others to love one another; instilling dedicated work ethic in his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed life and lived every day to the fullest.

The family would like to thank Amedysis Hospice, Dr. Dennis; special nurses Emily, Brooke, Cody, and Kim; and aids Teya and Sasha. They are eternally grateful for personal caregivers Cheryl, Marlene, Melissa, AJ, and the late Teresa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption or the Daily Bread Kitchen or Saint Vincent’s De Paul Society.

A Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be held at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption in Marietta, Ohio with Fr. David Huffman officiating on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. with a burial to follow in New St. Mary's Cemetery. Following the burial, there will be a celebration of his life with lunch at the Warren Township Volunteer Fire Department on State Route 550. Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the MARIETTA CHAPEL OF CAWLEY & PEOPLES FUNERAL HOMES in Marietta, Ohio with a Vigil and Rosary to follow. Family and friends may also gather for visitation at the basilica for an hour prior to the funeral mass.

Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home is honored to serve Gary’s family and offers online condolences and many other resources on their website, www.CawleyandPeoples.com, or through following their Facebook page.