Shreveport pays final respects to City Marshal Charlie Caldwell Jr.

Shreveport City Marshal Charlie Caldwell Jr. received the formal send-off of a public servant Friday.

Caldwell, 56, fell overboard June 16 while on vacation in Destin, Florida. His death sent grief through the community.

For 25 years, Caldwell worked serving Caddo Parish and the City of Shreveport. In a packed sanctuary, law-enforcement officers and first responders from near and far joined to remember the man who dedicated his life to serving and leading.  

The Memorial began at 11 a.m. at Summer Grove Baptist Church.

More:Remembering Shreveport City Marshal Charlie Caldwell Jr.: 'He will be surely missed'

Bishop L. Lawrence Brandon of Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral officiated the funeral, with words from state Rep. Sam Jenkins of Shreveport and Ward 5 Constable and Pastor Tony Hunter. 

Jenkins read aloud a proclamation by Gov. John Bel Edwards that remembers Caldwell as a "great man" and "loving father."

"He will be remembered as a professional with unyielding faith, determination and perseverance," the proclamation reads.

The memory of Caldwell will live on through the stories and smile he left behind, friends and family members said. 

"Your kind heart and your big smile will remain with us forever," the Shreveport Police Department said during the Last Call. 

Read:Multi-state procession brings home body of Shreveport City Marshal who drowned off Florida coast

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.