Tom Caldwell, 97, of Paducah, passed away 3:10 a.m. Wednesday, October 16, 2012 at Western Baptist Hospital.

He was a member of Hills Chapel A.M.E. Church where he served as a steward and trustee and was a retiree of the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Caldwell; a son, Rev. James Caldwell; two sisters; and five brothers; his parents were Robert Caldwell and Inez Stevens Caldwell.

Caldwell is survived by a daughter, Mary E. (Marvin) Caldwell Newberry of Paducah; a stepdaughter, Mary Frances Thomas of Paducah; a son, William (Billy) Caldwell of Louisville; a sister, Inez Talley of Paducah; five grandchildren, Michael K. Caldwell Carruthers, Royal Oaks, MI, Amanda Nicole Newberry, Jackson, TN, Marvetta Lynn Newberry Barnes, Paducah, KY, Beverly Jean (Rodger) Duke and Monique Reeves Duncan, both of Murfreesboro, TN; three nieces, Ruby Mae Glesson of East Moline, Ill., Mattie L. Ingram and Eula Banks, both of Chicago; two nephews, James E. Jackson Sr. and Hugh (Marilyn) Caldwell, all of Paducah; and a host of stepgrandchildren; nieces; and nephews.

Funeral services will be at Noon Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Burks Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church with Reverend Sherri Scott and Reverend Rita Story officiating. Burial will follow in Maplelawn Park Cemetery.

The family will receive visitors at the church from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour.

Pettus-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.