Joseph Donald Caswell's Obituary
Joseph Donald Caswell, age 93 died in the comfort of his home with his loving wife Peggy and family by his side. Born in Lakeland FL September 13, 1929 to Burton Rowe and Lilly Mary Caswell. He was the 5th of 18 children.
Joe joined the Airforce at age 17 and served our country 20 years retiring in 1966. After military retirement, he relocated his family to Gainesville where he worked as Director of Transportation, Alachua County School Board. He retired from the School Board in 1987. He served in the Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus, building lifelong friendships. He was one of the original founding members of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Order of the Knights. Joe was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge 990, serving as Exalted Ruler for two terms. He was committed to the principles of Elks Fraternal Order and spent many hours volunteering during fund raising events. His favorite social event was the Friday night prime rib dinner with drinks, singing karaoke, and dancing. He especially loved the jitterbug.
Joe never met a stranger. Once he knew you it was friends for life. He loved cooking for family and friends. His famous barbeque sauce could compete with any on the grocery shelf and made his ribs the best. He was an avid Gator fan and worked as a ticket taker for 25 years, long before Ticketmaster. He continued to support the Gators as a season ticket holder. Joe and Peggy enjoyed traveling. They made many trips throughout the US and abroad, sharing with family and friends, memories that filled a lifetime.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Peggy Caswell, daughters, Jeanette Sexton, Theresa “Terry” Mills, Anita (Steve) Black; son, Jimmy (Debi) Caswell; step daughter, Lori (Paul) Carlton; step sons, Terry (Elaine) Meyer, Michael (Chrissy) Meyer; brothers, Mack (Virginia) Caswell, Jack (Judy) Caswell; sisters, Virginia McElfresh, Tutti Wills, JoAnn (Sonny) Smith, Mary Ellen (Everett) Childers, Gladys Brim; 14 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son Joseph "Joey" Caswell.
The family will receive friends and loved ones Friday June 9, 2023 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home, 404 N Main Street, Gainesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 12:00 pm at St Patrick Catholic Church, 500 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville with Fr. Alberto Esposito as celebrant. Burial will follow at Forest Meadows Central Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Elks Lodge 990 Veteran’s Program, 2424 NW 23rd Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605.
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