Vernal Caldwell

Vernal Caldwell, 87, a lifelong Monett resident, passed away Jan. 16, 2020. He was born April 27, 1932 to Otto and Lura Means-Caldwell. He married his high school sweetheart in 1954 in Monett; they were married for 54 years until her passing in 2009.
Caldwell went to Minden School. He was a proud member of the MHS Class of ’51. He was a member of the National Guard, Monett Masonic Lodge and the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine. He worked for Herman Brown-Lowe Wholesale Auto Parts for six years. He then went to work for Friend Tire Service as a bookkeeper. After a year he hit the road in sales for 26 more years. He then worked for Jack Henry and Associates. He donned a realtor’s hat for five years for Crown Double K until he finally gave in to retirement.
He is survived by: children, Cindy (Steve) Hollinger of Paola, Kan., Steve (Barbara) Caldwell of Saginaw, Texas, David (Missy) Caldwell of Rocky Comfort and Jane (Randy)Planchon of Basehor, Kan.; six grandchildren; and nine and one soon to arrive great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and a son-in-law.
Funeral services were entrusted to Bennett Wormington Funeral Home. Inurnment will be at Monett IOOF at a later date. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital or the charity of donors’ choice.