ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- William Riley Caldwell, 93, died Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, at home in Albuquerque.

He was born May 4, 1922, in Sikeston, Missouri, to Elmer R. Caldwell and Thelma Camille Brooks. He married Mary Lou Thomas in 1944, and they were blessed with 71 years together.

Bill was an avid ham-radio operator, using call letters K5MRG. He also fished, hunted and camped.

While in college, Bill enlisted in the Army. After basic training, he qualified for the Army Specialized Training Program at the University of Salt Lake City, Utah. He served in World War II with the 13th Armored Division (Black Cat), joining Patton's 3rd Army in Europe during the Battle of the Bulge.

After the war, the Caldwells moved from Cape Girardeau to Albuquerque, where Bill worked for Sandia National Laboratories from 1956 until his retirement in 1985.

For many years, they were members of Asbury United Methodist Church and were active in Bible class. Bill volunteered his time working with the Storehouse and Boy Scouts. Their favorite pastime was travel, R.V.-ing and visiting their friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou; children, Mark (Cindy) Caldwell, Chase (Marci) Caldwell and Sara (Mike) Morgan; grandchildren, Chason Caldwell, Christa Caldwell, Stephanie (Steve) McCullough, Amy Morgan and Nicholas Morgan; and great-grandchildren, Makahla (Cody) Thomason, Judd Caldwell, Gabriel Whited and Brooklyn Motto.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Camille Sitzes; and a son, Stephen Caldwell.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Manzano del Sol Chapel, 5201 Roma Ave. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87108. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in honor of Bill to the care and keeping of the family cemetery: Gravel Hill Cemetery, c/o Jack Leslie, Route 1 Box 251, Marble Hill, MO 63764, or a charity of your choice.

To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com.

Daniels Family Funeral Services of Albuquerque is in charge of arrangements.