and went on to play tackle football all the way through his senior year at Caldwell High School.
As a child, RJ was a member of Cub Scout Pack 181. He loved Legos and would spend hours inventing new creations. He loved playing in the dirt with his trucks, which didn’t change much as he got older, his trucks just got bigger.
In his early high school years, he began working odd jobs for neighbors. As soon as he could drive, he found steady employment with several farmers and landowners where he created a remarkable work ethic for himself.
Robert poured his heart into every job and took great pride in his ability to manage any task he was given. Throughout high school he worked for Andy Wilson, Robert Vitek and Eric Boniol. He was most recently employed with Schwartz Boys Produce and Meats in San Angelo.
Robert was preceded in death most recently by paternal grandfather, Millard Caldwell; great- uncle, Kenny Caldwell; and great-grandfather, William Hutchison.
He also had great-grandparents, Robert B. and Jeanne Ruddick, Vernon and Ardis Foley, Mary Jane Hutchison; and grandfather, Robert D. King, whom all passed before they knew RJ.
RJ is survived by his parents, Matthew and Mindy Caldwell; sister Kallie (Wellington) Moore; niece, Robert James King, known by many as “RJ”, was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on February 28, 2007.
As a small child, he lived in Lamar, Colorado, with mother, Mindy and big sister, Kallie.
RJ attended school in McClave, Colorado, until his family relocated to Caldwell, Texas.
RJ enjoyed his years at First Baptist School and then began attending Caldwell schools in eighth-grade.
He graduated from Caldwell High School in May 2025.
Robert was a freshman at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, at the time of his passing.
RJ was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting and hiking in the woods.
He played flag football at First Baptist School Elliott Moore; grandparents, Verna Ruddick, Robert G. and Beverly Ruddick, Linda Caldwell, and Robert and Crickette Hollister; uncle, Robert S. Ruddick; and cousins, Kathryn Ruddick and Matthew Marciel; and aunt, Danielle Caldwell; and cousin, Peyton Wheeler. RJ is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends.
In lieu of flowers or plants, our family asks that you make a donation in memory of Robert “RJ” King to Camp Sweeney to help another Type 1 diabetic child attend this life changing camp. Robert attended Camp Sweeney for four years. This was an incredibly special place for RJ and will forever hold a place in our hearts. Donations in memory of RJ King can be made online https:// campsweeney.org/donate or by mail to Camp Sweeney, P.O. Box 918, Gainesville, Texas 76241, or First Baptist Church School, 501 W. Mustang, Caldwell, Texas 77836.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Strickland Funeral Home. They invite you to visit their website at www.stricklandfuneralhomes. com and sign the online register book.