Ernest A. Caldwell Jr., 86, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Friday, Oct. 5, 2012.

He was born Feb. 1, 1926, in Flagstaff, Maine, the son of Olive (nee Donahue) and Ernest Caldwell Sr.

Ernest was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge in Stratton, Maine, and moved from Stratton to Punta Gorda in 1994. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, golf and traveling.

He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Donna J. (Claude) Pepin and Kimberly S. Caldwell; son, Robert J. (Linda) Caldwell; brothers, John Caldwell and Frank Caldwell; sister, Sibyl Stevens; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jesse Caldwell and Harold Caldwell; and his wives, Celestine and Margaret.

A memorial service will be held in Stratton at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Caldwell Scholarship Fund, c/o Donna Pepin, P.O. Box 129, Stratton, ME 04982. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.Ltaylorfuneral.com and sign the online guestbook.

Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services.