Tony Ernest Caldwell

Tony Ernest Caldwell, 72, of Drummond, Montana passed away Tuesday August 30, 2022 at Canyon Creek Care Center in Billings. He was born August 25, 1950 in Toole, Utah, the son of the late Robert "Bert" and Nora Mae (Oakey) Caldwell. The Caldwell family bought a ranch East of Corvallis and moved to Montana when Tony was 6 years old. They raised Hereford cattle, and Tony worked on the ranch from the time he was a kid. He graduated from Corvallis High School in 1968. After graduation he spent time logging and working in the mountains. He married Carol Joan Reynolds Bray on January 19, 1973. He continued to work on the ranch, in the mountains, and drove truck throughout his younger years. Tony and Carol took over the Caldwell Ranch in Corvallis where he raised beautiful Red Angus cattle. He loved running cattle and riding horses in the Sapphire Mountains above the ranch. In 2005, Tony and Carol moved to Drummond, Montana where Tony continued to ranch. Tony's pride and joy was his Red Angus cattle herd. He prided himself on having fat, happy cows and weaning "monstrous" calves. He could always be found fixing fence, changing water, feeding cows, or helping his neighbors. He continued caring for his cattle and running his ranch right up until the day his health prevented him from doing what he loved. Tony loved the outdoors and the mountains. He had many hunting adventures with his Dad, "Bert" and his many friends, and his daughter Jode. He was a mighty hunter and loved to share his knowledge and love of the sport with others. One of his proudest moments was when he and his daughter Jode both got huge bull elk the same day. He loved checking cows on horseback in the mountains with family and friends. He was quite a cowboy and had the family's horses Jake, Sunny, and Jasper until they passed away. Tony also enjoyed going to the mountains to get wood. Tony was a master story-teller. He loved making people laugh and entertaining them with stories of adventures in the mountains, hunting, or chasing cows. Tony was always there to help a friend or neighbor in need. Tony is survived by his wife Carol of Cody, WY; daughter Jode, husband Dan, and granddaughters Baylee and Aubree Kraft of Powell, WY; step daughter Dawn and husband Joe Dale Walker, step daughter Linda and husband Ronnie Hedgepeth of Monticello, MS, stepdaughter Lesa and husband Joseph Wilson of Vicksburg, MS, and step son Bill and wife Cindy Bray and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Tony is also survived by a brother, two sisters, and their children. A celebration of life service will be held Monday, September 12, at 2:00 pm at the Daly-Leach Chapel with Owen Robbins officiating. Private family interment will take place at Corvallis Cemetery in Corvallis. The family suggests memorials be made to the local animal shelter/ rescue of your choice.