It is with great sadness that the family of Gary F. Caldwell announce his passing on July 18th in Clay Center, Ks at the age of 84 years. Gary was born in Clifton, Ks. to Floyd and Nina (Beeson) Caldwell. Gary graduated from CCCHS where he was an outstanding athlete. He continued his education at Wichita State University where he graduated in Law Enforcement. Always more than a job, more than a career, Gary found a true calling in Law Enforcement. He worked for the Wichita Police Department for 16 years and resigned after becoming Police Detective. He received accolades for his work there and upon resignation from the WPD they retired his badge number. This is not a common action to be taken by any Law Enforcement Department, so it was a great honor. After leaving the WPD, he and his family moved back to his roots in Clay Center, Ks. He was a man of many hats, and this new venture grew into a hog farm. Gary was soon approached and asked to consider running for Clay County Sheriff, which he did and became the new sheriff in town. Gary received many awards and achievements during his time as sheriff and made a true commitment to Clay County to try to rid the county of crime and drug traffic. He will always be remembered for giving his all to his calling. By his family for the many sacrifices of holidays and personal time to respond to every call, every need of the citizens of Clay County and city of Clay Center. After 21 years, Gary joined the ranks of retired, ending nearly 4 decades in Law Enforcement.
Of the many things he did with great success was construction, auctioneer, golfing and very talented in woodworking. Gary had been an avid coon hunter, even adding mule riding to the hunt. Gary married Elaine Elliot of Clay Center in 1959 and they had 2 children, Sidney Loren and Christine Marie Caldwell. They were later divorced. Gary was then married to Sue (Cope) Caldwell in 1966 and the family was blended to add 3 more children, Jan, John and Caren Cope. Gary and Sue were both members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Clay Center, Ks. Sue passed away in 2018. Gary was preceded in death by his wife Sue Caldwell, parents Floyd and Nina Caldwell, brother Larry Caldwell.
Survivors include: Son: Sid (Jerra) Caldwell of Rose Hill, Ks Son: John Cope of Augusta, Ks Daughter: Chris Gwin (Mike Wilson) of Stillwater, Ok Daughter: Jan (Jimmie) Nichols of Clay Center, Ks Daughter: Caren Schumock of Clay Center, Ks Grandchildren: Shane McNeil of Clay Center, Ks Amber (Jeramiah) Beaver of Clay Center, Ks Tara (Tom) Dunn of Clay Center Sarah (Joe) Walker of Hudson, Fl Amanda (Chris) Slider of Wichita, Ks Josh Cope of Sedgwick, Ks Sydney (Trevor) Kukuk of Hesston, Ks Hope (Luke) Fitzgibbons of Wichita, Ks Brother: Doyle (Candy) Caldwell of Ks Numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and close family friends.
Respect calls will be held from 3 to 7pm on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, Ks.
Funeral service at 10am Friday July 26, 2024, at St Paul Lutheran Church in Clay Center, Ks with Pastor Paul Tessaro officiating. Pastor Paul Tessaro was also a Reserve Clay County Sheriff Deputy and Law Enforcement Chaplain for Sheriff Caldwell which he remains to this day under current Sheriff Alan Benninga and past Sheriff Chuck Dunn.
Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center, Ks followed by a luncheon at St Paul Lutheran Church provided by members of St Paul’s Episcopal Church of Clay Center, Ks
Memorials Donations may be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital in c/o Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home of Clay Center, Ks.
