Tom Caldwell, age 97, of Paducah passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2012, 3:10 A.M. at Western Baptist Hospital.

He was a member of Hills Chapel A.M.E. Church where he served as a Steward and Trustee and was a retiree of the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Caldwell, a son Rev. James Caldwell, two sisters and five brothers. His parents were Robert Caldwell and Inez Stevens Caldwell.

Caldwell is survived by a daughter, Mary E. (Marvin) Caldwell Newberry, Paducah ; a step-daughter, Mary Frances Thomas, Paducah; a son, William (Billy) Caldwell of Louisville, KY; a sister Inez Talley, Paducah; five grandchildren, Michael K. Caldwell Carruthers, Royal Oaks, MI, Amanda Nicole Newberry, Jackson, TN, Marvetta Lynn Newberry Barnes, Paducah, KY, Beverly Jean (Rodger) Duke and Monique Reeves Duncan, both of Murfreesboro, TN; three nieces, Ruby Mae Gleeson of East Moline, Il, Mattie L. Ingram and Eula Banks both of Chicago, IL ; two nephews, James E. Jackson, Sr. and Hugh (Marilyn) Caldwell both of Paducah and a host of step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Saturday, October 20, 2012, 12 Noon at Burks Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church with Reverend Sherri Scott and Reverend Rita Story officiating. Burial will follow in Maplelawn Park Cemetery.

The family received visitors at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.