Clarence Burnell "C.B." Caldwell

Clarence Burnell “C.B.” Caldwell, of Blue Springs, MO, a proud Vietnam veteran who served his country well, peacefully passed away at the Kansas City VA Medical Center on Saturday October 3, 2020, at the age of 71 years old. Clarence was born on October 6, 1948 in Foreman, Arkansas, to L. C. and Donia Caldwell (Perryman). He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in the class of 1968 in Idabel, OK, then went on to the United States Marine Corps, where he served for four years. He married Ethel Mae Butler on September 25, 1970 in Kansas City, MO. Four children were born to this union: Marcus, Jeremiah, Erica and Kendra.

Clarence worked for General Motors Fairfax for 34 years. His family knew him as a hardworking man, who was a great husband, father and grandfather. He was a proud fisherman who took pride in his mechanic work (lawnmowers included), and was considered a “Jack of all trades,” who enjoyed the outdoors. Clarence proudly served as a Past Master Mason, lodge #53, where he was recognized as an Orient Consistory #19 for many years. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and a fellow member of the Fellowship Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO, where Reverend Marvin Tigner presides. Clarence had a beautiful voice and loved to sing gospel hymns. He touched the lives of so many with his unconditional love, generosity and kindness and will be forever missed.

Clarence will be lovingly remembered by his loving wife of 50 years, Ethel Caldwell (Butler); children, Marcus Caldwell, Jeremiah Caldwell (Miesha), and Erica Caldwell and Kendra Thornton (Jayson); grandchildren, Marquis Caldwell, Elijah Bruce, Ethan Trice, Erica Caldwell, Ayesha Thornton, Shahada Thornton and Jayson Thornton Jr.; siblings, James Caldwell, Mattie “Louise” Johnson and Donna Bell and a host of other family members and friends.

He was predeceased by his beautiful granddaughter, Lanisha Caldwell, daughter-in-law, Candice Caldwell, brothers, L.C. Caldwell, Marshall Caldwell, George Caldwell, sisters, Deborah King, Eva Bee, Bertha Reese and Gloria Jones and his parents L. C. Caldwell and Donia Caldwell (Perryman).

A graveside service will be held, Friday October 9, at 3:00 p.m. at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, occupancy will be limited and family has requested that all attendees please wear a mask.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)