Thomas Charles Caldwell of Rockford departed this earthly life January 30, 2022. He was born January 3, 1942, in Brownsville, TN the son of Cottrell Sr. and Zelma Caldwell. Thomas lived in Rockford since 1967 coming from Brownsville, TN. He married the former Patricia Huggard, February 14, 2001. Thomas was employed as a employment specialist by the State of Illinois over 32 years before retiring. He was a veteran of U.S. Army serving in the Vietnam War. He was a former member of Providence Baptist Church where he served as an usher. Thomas was a former member of the Welcome Star Lodge #36 PHA F& AM.  He graduated from Carver High School and attended College in Memphis.

Thomas leaves to cherish many loving memories, his wife Patricia; three daughters, Leah Williams, Chelsea Yarbrough, and Katrina Caldwell; son, Kyle Caldwell: stepchildren who he loved like his own, Rene (Willie) Moreland and Justin (Genesis) Gordon: 15 grandchildren: 9 great grandchildren; sister, DeLois Caldwell; brothers, Frank (Saundra) Caldwell, Clyde Caldwell and Randy Caldwell; a host of nieces, nephews' other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; son, Thomas Charles Caldwell Jr; brother, Cottrell Caldwell Jr.; sisters, Elizabeth Caldwell, Zelma Sangster and Doris White.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.