Berton Caldwell, age seventy-five, of Keith, Kentucky, passed away at his home on Sunday, January 18, 2026.  Bert, one of six children born to Eli and Mahaley (Brock) Caldwell, was born and raised in Harlan County. He attended Wallins High School.

Bert began working at the age of sixteen. Having an excellent work ethic, he worked approximately 60 years before retiring. He was the owner of Liggett Trucking for many years and, during those years, was hired to work with the Army Corp of Engineers as they built the Flood Control Tunnels in Harlan as well as the Cumberland Gap Tunnels, connecting Middlesboro, KY to Cumberland Gap, TN.  Bert also worked for Ash Mountain Construction for over 35 years. He was work-oriented, extremely skilled in construction, and taught and worked alongside his sons for many years.

Bert was a huge Nascar fan, enjoyed fishing, and was a frequent patron of the VFW where he enjoyed life with friends both young and old. He had a wonderful sense of humor and you knew you had been accepted into his inner circle when he began to pick on you and aggravate you. He was protective and stern, yet very loving. No doubt his favorite title was 'Pappy Bert', a name given to him by his grandchildren, whom he adored. He believed in the Holiness faith.

Bert is preceded in death by his parents, Eli and Mahaley Caldwell; a son, Berton Caldwell; and four siblings: sisters, Jessie Muncy and Freda Thomas, and brothers, Thea and Harold Caldwell.

Those left to cherish Bert's memories are his two sons: Richard Caldwell and wife, Donna, of Molus, and William Caldwell and wife, Michelle, of Putney; five grandchildren: Skylar Caldwell (Kayla), Shalayna Fuson (Chris), Coty Caldwell (Felicia), Trenton Caldwell, Brittany Lawson (Dalton); six great-grandchildren: Jackson, Charlie, Walker, Hadley, Jasper, and Liam; one sister, Faye Vaughn; several nieces and nephews; a host of extended relatives and many dear friends.

Services for Bert will take place Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Harlan Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm with the funeral beginning at 1:00. Pastor Tim Goshen will be officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in Keith, KY. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers: Darryl Cohelia, Mike Howard, George King, Mark Duff, Andrew Forester, Steve Hendrickson, Johnny Hensley, Paul Curry, Joe Creech, Johnny Turner.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Berton Caldwell.