Richard M. "Bud" Caulkins

Richard M. “Bud” Caulkins, 76, of Colona passed away May 11, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. 

Funeral services will be 11:00am Thursday at Schroder Mortuary in Colona with visitation 1 hour prior to service time. Memorials may be made to the family. 

Richard was born August 1, 1947 in Davenport, IA the son of Russell and Shirley (Strader) Caulkins. He served in the Army during Vietnam and was past Commander for Colona American Legion Post 1233. Bud married Elizabeth Hemphill June 24, 2017. Bud worked for the Rock Island Railroad as a journeyman. He worked for John Deere Harvester as a machinist, retiring after 30 years. Bud coached for Colona Little League and the National Blind Baseball League. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching NASCAR, and was a Chicago Bears and St. Louis Cardinals fan. 

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth; children Kelly (Michael) Smith, Keith Caulkins, Danel (Julie) Caulkins, Patrick Caulkins, and Shawn (Samantha) Caulkins; stepsons Blake Hemphill, Brandon Clong, and Terry Gates Jr.; grandchildren Chris, Kristin, Kaitlyn, Bethany, Jordan, Dylan, Dakota, Leland, Ayden, and Haven; 15 great grandchildren; sisters Judy Snyder, Nancy (Jerry) Rodgers, and Lana Powers; brothers Don Caulkins, Tommie Caulkins, and Wayne (Jackie) Caulkins. 

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Bob Powers, and brother-in-law Wallace Snyder.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Unity Point Hospice and Bud’s granddaughter Jordan Thompson for the excellent care given to Bud.