Obituary of John T. Caudle
John T. Caudle (Jay, Poppy)
GREEN -- Jay was born on July 28, 1922 in LaGrange, Ga.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ethel Mae (nee Biggins), grandson, Joe Chiofolo and brother, Henry Caudle. He is survived by his sister, Linda (Larry) Barnes; daughters, Connie (Jack) Runner, Kathleen (Tony) Chiofolo; grandchildren, Tracy (Bill) Peterson, Jack (Stefanie) Runner, Tony (Rachel) Chiofolo, Amanda (Eric) Fledderjohann; great-grandchildren, Drew, Jacqui, and Ricky Peterson, Jesse and Justin Runner, Joey, Garret, and Alaina Chiofolo, and soon to arrive baby Fledderjohann.
Jay lived most of his life in Akron, Ohio and attended Garfield High School. He joined the U.S. Marine Corp where he earned the rank of Sergeant and spent his tour of duty in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Throughout the war he was a tail gunner on a plane referred to as ``the flying coffin.' Upon returning home he began work as a tire builder at Firestone. During his 30-year tenure he often received ``zero defect' awards for excellence in tire building and was considered the best.
He loved fishing, animals of all kinds, Christmas, and shopping for that perfect tree. Being a kid at heart, Poppy spent many days teasing and playing with his grandchildren.
Due to dementia he spent the last 20 years sharing life with his two daughters and their families. He was blessed with two wonderful sons-in-law who opened their hearts and homes to him.
Daddy we will always love and miss you. Your time with us gave us countless memories and blessings we will cherish forever. You touched many lives with your sweet and sometimes comical ways. We realize in your 88 years you lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a few sorrows. Now it's time to join the love of your life Ethel Mae. God speed.
The family wishes to thank everyone at Summa Health who took such wonderful care of our dad. A special thanks to Dave for all of the love and attention he gave our dad.
Graveside services with full military honors will be held today at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. There are no calling hours or other services. Memorials may be made to the HUMANE SOCIETY OF GREATER AKRON, 7996 Darrow Rd., Twinsburg, OH 44087.