Albert T. Caldwell, 84, Spearfish and formerly of Sturgis, died Monday, June 15, 2009 at the Dorsett Health Care Facility in Spearfish.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2009 at the Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis with Laura Campbell officiating. Inurnment follows at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with Military Honors by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard.

"Babe" was born March 23, 1925 at Sturgis to Alton and Irene (Elliot) Caldwell. He attended Sturgis Public School for 12 years. He spent his summers on his grandparents ranch.

Babe enlisted in the US Navy in May of 1943 and served his country honorably on the USS San Juan before being discharged in February of 1946. Babe earned ten battle stars.

After returning to South Dakota he continued to ranch with his family until 1955. He worked construction for three years and ran heavy equipment and drove trucks for another three years.

On June 10, 1962 he married Fern Serres.

Babe worked for a local grain mill for 30 years and retired in 1990. After retiring the couple enjoyed many winters in Arizona. Babe also enjoyed yardwork and gardening.

Survivors include his wife Fern Caldwell, Spearfish; daughters, Darlene (Ted) Miles, Spearfish, SD, Elaine (Ken) Bader, Tempe, AZ; brother Dana Caldwell, Rapid City; sister, Virginia (Warren) Prascher, Sturgis; four grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents, one sister, one half brother.

A memorial has been established to the Children's Home Society in Custer.