Julian M. Caldwell, 81, of Gladstone, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born February 6, 1944, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to Julian Blondeville Caldwell and Elizabeth Ann Caldwell, he lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and service.
Julian's early years were spent in Kentucky before moving to Indianapolis, Indiana, where at age 10, he made what he would later describe as "the most important decision of his life" – finding the real Jesus at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. After graduating from high school in Buena Park, California, where he was part of the state championship cross-country team, Julian followed various paths including driving a school bus and working at Kaiser Steel before receiving his license to preach at age 22.
At 23, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving with distinction in Vietnam where he was wounded in combat in 1968. During his service, he worked as a journalist and combat photographer for Stars and Stripes newspaper, also writing a column called "Through the Eyes of the Soldier" for his hometown Kentucky newspaper. It was through this column that he met his beloved wife of 56 years, Peggy, beginning a whirlwind romance that led to their marriage just 58 days after their first meeting.
Throughout his early career, Julian balanced both ministry and work, establishing mission churches in California, Nebraska, and Washington State while maintaining employment at various companies including Kaiser Steel, Iowa Beef Processing Plant, and eventually Union Pacific Railroad, where he would work for 30 years. A pivotal moment came when he went to buy a piano for his children to learn church music but was instead convinced to purchase an organ. This seemingly small decision led to an unexpected turn in his ministry - as his children learned to play at a very young age, their talents were discovered while demonstrating organs at a local music store. What began as casual performances evolved into a full-fledged family ministry, with the Caldwells performing at schools, nursing homes, and fairs. This musical ministry, which showcased their strong family unity, became his primary form of outreach and lasted for nearly 20 years.
Julian is survived by his devoted wife Peggy; his children Julian II (Laurie) and their children Allie, Eli, and Ervin; Dave (Kelly) and their children Chloe, Dawson, and Sadie; DiAnna Thimjon (Dean) and their children Ben and Aidan; and Julie Needham (Neal) and their children Makenzie and Cody. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Jonell and Barbara. He was known for his endless supply of corny jokes (and we're certain he walked up to Jesus with a piece of tape on his ear and asked "What am I doing?" quickly followed by "I'm listening to my tape!" to the adoration of both Jesus and those who went before him), his intense devotion to family, and his passionate commitment to shaping his children's futures through faith and music. During his final days at Benton House, despite the challenges of Alzheimer's, he had moments of bright clarity where he would look at Peggy with recognition, acknowledging their incredible journey together, affirming the reality of Jesus in their lives, and expressing an unrelenting love for his wife of 56 years.
His earthly journey ended fittingly - when two nursing aids came in and asked if they could pray for him, he turned it around and surprised them with these final words: "Our heavenly father, as we bow before you, thankful for this day, dear god. Thank you for Salvation so that people can believe in thee with all of their hearts, and they can be changed immediately if they just serve Thee. You will help them to do everything. Pray for them, and you will always show them what to do and how to do it. We pray for this in Jesus's name, Amen."
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