Decatur- Donald Henry Caudle, 81 of Decatur passed away at 10:37 p.m.,Wednesday, May 26, 2010, in Springfield Memorial Medical Center.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 29, 2010, at Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home. Burial will be in Macon County Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 till 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com. Memorials may be made to East Park Baptist Church.
Donald was born October 24, 1928, in Decatur, IL the son of Henry and Ethel (Bernard) Caudle. He married Claire Brosend on December 25, 1948. He retired from Eisner and Jewel Foods as a department manager after 37 years of service. He was a member of East Park Baptist Church where he had served as the church treasurer and trustee.
Surviving is his wife of sixty-one years: Claire of Decatur, son: Rev. Gary Caudle and his wife Ruth of Jacksonville, FL; daughters: Debra Castle and her husband Rev. Bob Castle of Stockbridge, MI and Linda Gentry and her husband Kevin of Omaha, NE; grandchildren: Rev. Scott Castle and his wife Michelle of Jackson, MI, Kim Tanner and her husband Phillip Tanner III of Gregory, MI, Craig Castle and his wife Leah of Rives Junction, MI, Stephanie Brahs and her husband Justin of Anoka, MN, Lynette Anderson and her husband Alan of Dexter, MI, Cindy Castle of Stockbridge, MI, Alisha Caudle of Jacksonville, FL, Matthew Caudle of Jacksonville, FL, Benjamin Gentry and his wife Amanda of Omaha, NE, Lance Cpl. Stephen Gentry currently serving with the US Marine Corp in Okinawa, Japan; great-grandchildren: Keturah Tanner, Alexia Tanner, Spencer Tanner, Catherine Castle, Caleb Castle, Caden Castle, Landon Brahs, Gavin Brahs, Deacon Brahs, and Hunter Castle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother James, in-laws: Karl and Ora Brosend, Daniel and Misao Brosend, and M Sgt. Earl Crabtree.
Latest Memories
A pastor could not ask for a more faithful deacon/ church member than Brother Don Caudle.
I will always remember the times of going out on visitation with Don, who at times would be the only church member to show up. It seemed that wherever we were Don knew everyone, and everyone liked Don. We were convinced that were Don to ever run for mayor of Decatur he'd win by a landslide!
His involvement and assistance on any and all church activities, his friendly encouragement, his simple and genuine prayers, his generous support, his cheerful countenance (we will never forget that hearty laugh and happy whistling of his!) - all were used of the Lord to bless and encourage a young pastor and his family. I know behind it all was a heart that loved his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and that loved others. As the Lord now graces His faithful servant with rest and reward in heaven, may He multiply his number among the Church. Thank you, Jesus, for giving us Don Caudle!
Latest Condolences
| Linda (Allison) McIntosh |
A Grateful Friend |
June 4, 2010 |
I used to be a member of East Park over 30 years ago. This church has so many fond memories for me. I got saved in high school as a result of this church, and the people there helped me so much as they tried to reach out to a teenage girl who knew practically nothing about the Bible. I remember Mr. Caudle very well, his friendly, enthusiastic personality and his love for the Lord. I know you will miss him very much, but oh, what a godly heritage he has left behind! Thank you for the godly example you were to me during the time I attended East Park. My husband and I will continue to keep you in our prayers.
Linda (Allison) McIntosh
| Ken (Boyd) and Lorena West |
Many Years Ago |
June 3, 2010 |
We have been thinking of your family during this time and enjoyed reading Don's obituary - what a legacy to leave. A tribute to him and God's goodness. To let you know how long it has been since living in Decatur, we celebrated our 42nd anniversary Tuesday. Although we were not at East Park long, we cherish the memories we have of all the friends we made there. May God grant all of your family peace and comfort as you continue on life's journey, looking forward to being reunited with your loved one.
Sincerely,
Ken and Lorena
| Wayne Epps |
Wedding Ring Kid |
June 3, 2010 |
We want to let you know that Don was appreciated greatly. It was always a little awesome to go in the produce section of the store and run into someone you knew and be greeted warmly. The simple faithfulness of Don and Claire is an example to those of us who grew up around them. We'll be praying during these hard days and the day after all the excitement has ceased.
Wayne and Lynn Epps
| Mary Sue Northcutt |
Donald's Cousin |
May 29, 2010 |
Dear Claire, Debbie, Gary, and Linda,
Glenn joins me in offering sincere condolences to you and your families. As I write, I remember that Donald and others of you were frequenlty there for me in several ways, and I wish I could be with you now. You are blessed to have one another at this time, and I know your faith will sustain you all.
With loving thoughts,
Mary Sue
| Annette and Bill Schultz |
Friends in Jacksonville |
May 29, 2010 |
Gary and Ruth,
We wish we could be with you at this moment. You have stood with us so faithfully, so know that while we won't be physically standing with you in Illinois, or hearts and prayers will be with you.
With deepest sympathy and Christian Love,
Annette and Bill
