Dean Stewart Caldwell

Dean Stewart Caldwell was born on March 13, 1933, to Cecil Elward and Ruth S. Steward Caldwell in Eugene, Oregon.

He graduated from Cottage Grove Union High School in 1951 and then attended college in Oregon.

On June 11, 1955, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He was stationed in Korea and Japan and played the clarinet in the Marine Band. He was honorably discharged in 1959 due to his parents’ illness.

Upon returning home, he married Susan Wright in 1960 and they had three children: Joy, Jack and Jill. Dean and Susan later divorced.

While living in Walla Walla, Dean met and later married Beverly (Bev) Ruthven on Oct. 17, 1974. He was a wonderful stepfather to Christa, Cindy and Steve.

Dean had many hobbies throughout his life. He flew radio-controlled airplanes, watched the stars through his telescopes, listened to big band music, and loved the Boston Celtics, the Seattle Seahawks and the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

His occupation as an electronic repairman was his passion. Even after his retirement, he could be found in his shop repairing any type or age of TV, radio, VCR, or stereo for friends or family.

During his marriage with Bev, they enjoyed fishing and camping and the occasional gambling trip to Winnemucca, Nevada.

Dean and Bev could always be found supporting their kids during their activities and later enjoyed supporting their grandchildren.

Later in life, Dean and Bev moved back to Walla Walla to be near their children.

While receiving prayers and support from family members, Dean died on Aug. 18 at The Odd Fellows Home in Walla Walla.

Dean was very active at Odd Fellows. He was always participating in the various group activities and visiting with fellow residents in the halls.

Dean is survived by his children from his previous marriage, Joy, Jack and Jill and their families, and his stepchildren: Christa (Rick) Maiuri of Walla Walla, Cindy (Pat) McIntyre of Gresham, Oregon, and Steve (Kathy) Ruthven of Walla Walla; several grandchildren: Nicholas (Crystal), Jeremy, Jennifer (Pat), Derek (Kristina), Elizabeth, Anna, Lauren and Leah; and three great-grandchildren: Taylor, Cameron and Keira. He is also survived by sister in-law, Sally Higbee (Tom) of Cataldo, Idaho, and two nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Beverly.

The family gives a special thanks to the staff and caregivers at the Odd Fellows Home for their special care and attention to Dean.

At his request, there will not be a service, but contributions may be made in his honor to the Blue Mountain Humane Society through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362.