Thomas P. Caudel

Thomas P. Caudel, age 89, was called home by the Lord on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Tom was born June 11, 1931 in New Albany, Miss. to Jessie E. Caudel and Ernestine M. (Fitzgerald) Caudel. He graduated from Mammoth Springs High School in Mammoth Springs, Ark. He married the love of his life, Barbara (Lasseter) Caudel, on May 3, 1953 at the First Assembly of God in Thayer, Mo. He was a lifetime member of the Field Creek Pentecostal Church. Anyone who knew Tom knew he was a hard worker, who loved working at his home with his wife in Mammoth Springs, Ark. Tom started off working in Memphis, Tenn. at the age of 12 riding his bike around the streets to deliver groceries. He then worked as a shipping clerk for Chester B. Franz in Mammoth Springs, Ark. On August 6th of 1952 Tom enlisted to the Army where he served as food inspector until he was honorably discharged on August 5th of 1954. During that time, he received the National Defense Service medal. He then worked for the USDA as a food inspector until he retired after 30+ years of service. After retirement, Tom continued working as in maintenance and security for another five years. He then could be seen assisting his son, Ricky, with the Western Sizzlin' in Batesville, Ark. which was later renamed the Caudel Family Restaurant. In the last few years of his life Tom took up fishing with his grandson, Jeremy, at the Lake of the Ozarks. He is survived by his sister, Betty Jean Henderson (Joe); son, Tommy (Becky) Caudel; two grandchildren, Jeremy (Cher) and Anthony (Kim) Caudel; eight great-grandchildren, Nathanial (Shea), Meleigha, Whitney Prince (Tiffany), Mara Bryant (Lucas), Alexis, Micah, Maylee, and Breanna Caudel; and four great-great- grandchildren, Easton, Nash, Zae, and Piper. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Donald Caudel, Martha Frazier, Tony Caudel, Ted Caudel, and Patricia O'Brien; wife, and son,Ricky. There will be a private ceremony at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California, Mo.