Ira Mason Caldwell

Ira Mason Caldwell, Sr., age 75, of Roanoke and formerly of Botetourt County passed away Monday, June 26, 2023.

Ira was born in Botetourt January 28, 1948 and lived in the Botetourt and Roanoke area all of his life. He was the son of the late Heber F. and Dortha M. Thomas Caldwell.

Ira served in The United States Army with distinction during the Vietnam Conflict being awarded the Military Order of the Purple Heart twice, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal among others. He enjoyed fishing, some hunting, sports, racing, and woodcraft.

In addition to his parents, Ira was preceded in death by two brothers: Robert “Bobby” Caldwell and Larry Caldwell. He is survived by his brothers: Nelson Caldwell, Ronald Caldwell, and Michael Caldwell all of Botetourt; sisters: Virginia Johnson of Hardy and Debbie Caldwell of Roanoke; nephew, Bob Caldwell of Montgomery County, niece, Michelle (JR) Gerst of Rocky Mount; and numerous cousins.

A service with full military honors remembering Ira’s life will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, July 25 at Rader Funeral Home, 630 Roanoke Road Daleville with Ben Peyton officiating. A private burial will take place at Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia. Friends and family will be received two hours prior to the service Tuesday.

Online condolences may be made and service livestream may be found at www.rader-funeralhome.com/tributes/Ira-Caldwell.