Norman Lee Caldwell, 90, of Pittsburg, KS, passed away peacefully at 2:28 a.m., Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg.
Norman, known to many as Norm, was born September 30, 1933, to Norman and Mildred (Porter) Jones in Croweburg, KS.
At the age of 10, he was adopted by his stepfather, Leslie Caldwell. He graduated from Arma High School in 1950. During this time, he waited tables at Trianon Ballroom making 10¢ an hour. During his professional career, Norman worked at McNally Manufacturing, Prudential Insurance Company, and later retired from the Kansas Department of Revenue.
In 1972 he married his beloved wife Mary Kay Nonbello Jones in Erie, Kansas. She survives of the home.
Together, Mary Kay and Norm had many adventures, from their 20-year Amway retail and wholesale business, and their love for animals, to many Pitt State Football games. Norm loved to fish and spent many hours on his fishing boat with his best fishing buddy, Kevin Wilson. Kevin and Norm would yearly venture to Bass Pro’s spring fishing sale. Each year, Mary Kay didn’t ask how much he spent, and Norm didn’t disclose! Norm fully embraced life in Pittsburg, made many dear friends, and was a longtime member of several organizations including the Pawnee Fishing Club, Shriners, and Masons. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Norm was strong, evident in his last few days, through his survival of cancer and a heart attack, but his strength may have been most evident through his firm handshake.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Kay of the home; two children, Maribeth Caldwell, and Curt Caldwell; grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and pets including his beloved dog, Snowball, and his cat sanctuary.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Christopher Caldwell.
Funeral services will be on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Josh Evans officiating. Entombment will follow at the Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will have a visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. prior to the start of the service. Memorial donations can be made to Pawprints on the Heartland and/or Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.
