Tommie Caudill

Tommie Caudill was the type of guy everyone liked to know and love, and with his fun-loving ways, it was easy to see why. A friend of many and a stranger to few, Tommie loved being surrounded by those that meant the most to him. In his family he found the greatest joy, and his pride for his children knew no bounds. Although he often told it like it was and could be impatient at times, Tommie was ever loving and dedicated. Accepting of all and loving towards many, Tommie will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

By 1955, the hottest thing on wheels was the '55 Chevy and it was most certainly the shape of things to come for the auto industry while even the mention of the chartbusting hit, “Rock Around the Clock” drew all to the dance floor. At the same time, nearly every American home with televisions had their sets dialed to, “The Mickey Mouse Club”, along with dreams of visiting the new and popular, “Disneyland”. And a favorite of young boys everywhere, Davy Crockett films introduced a world of adventure for those wearing his ever popular, coonskin cap. In the Indiana city of Knox, September 14, 1955, marked an especially memorable day for Marcus “Hershel” Caudill and Doris Carol (Hicks) Caudill when they celebrated the birth of their son, Tommie Lee Caudill.

Tommie grew up in the close knit community of Kendallville, Indiana alongside his sister, Debbie. As a boy he loved nothing more than riding bikes around the neighborhood with the other neighborhood kids. Tommie loved being outside and hanging out with his friends. And like most young boys, he found his share of mischief, too! One time when he was mad at his sister, he threw her "joggle" up into a tree. Afraid he’d get in trouble, he pleaded with Debbie not to tell their mom. Determined to make it right, Tommie took his bike and as one of the neighbor kids held it, he proceeded to climb onto the seat, enabling him to reach a branch to climb up into the tree to retrieve her joggle. Clearly shaking at the knees, Debbie surely felt he deserved it for being so mean!

Having attended the local schools, Tommie went on to work at various factories in the maintenance field. He loved working on cars, too, but could fix anything he put his mind to. Tommie met the woman who forever stole his heart while cruising around Kendallville one night. He and Cynthia were married in 1979 in Clintwood, Virginia. Even though they later divorced, Tommie continued to love Cynthia and they remained good friends. Tommie counted the happiest days of his life as the days his children were born. Aimee and Nathan were the best things that ever happened to Tommie, and he truly loved them more than anything. This was especially so after losing twin sons, Robby and Bobby. A teaser and jokester at heart, Tommie liked pestering his kids. In fact, he loved “playfully” arguing with his daughter, and he really knew just how to push her buttons.

Along with working in a few of the area factories and as a maintenance supervisor, Tommy also drove semi trucks for a time. In all he did, he was the “chief cook and bottle washer.” Although he became disabled in 2001, it didn’t stop Tommie and he continued to love working with his hands.

Since he was a boy, Tommie absolutely loved being outdoors. He loved nature and all it had to offer, animals and fishing. He especially loved coon hunting and fishing whenever he could. Even though he was born and raised in Indiana, Tommie considered “home” to be in Kentucky where his parents were born. While growing up they visited extended family there as often as they could and Tommie came to love the area as if he had been born and raised there himself. In his free time, Tommie enjoyed westerns and watching football and basketball, always rooting for his favorite team, the University of Kentucky.

To know Tommie Caudill was to love him. And with ways all his own, Tommie was like a crazy man in his wheelchair! He’d try and run people he knew over, especially his family whom he still loved to tease. A social and outgoing man, Tommie so enjoyed being around others. He loved family gatherings, and more than anything, he loved his kids. Despite setbacks in life, Tommie for the most part was upbeat and positive. There was a stubborn part of him that wanted things done his way, and now, but those who knew Tommie best took it all in stride. Although Tommie was taken with no time for goodbyes, he leaves behind a loving legacy of memories for those he knew and loved to treasure.

Tommie Lee Caudill, age 62, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at his residence in Garrett, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his father in 1970; his stepfather, Sidney Earl Lawson in 1990; and by his twin sons, Robby and Bobby Caudill.

Survivors include his daughter, Aimee Garrison of Garrett and son, Nathan Caudill of Kendallville; his mother, Doris Lawson of Sturgis, Michigan; four grandchildren: Parker Garrison and Annalise Doremus of Garrett; Dayton Caudill of Kendallville; and Alliee Caudill of Warsaw; sister, Debbie Burkett of Kalamazoo, Michigan; stepbrother, Chris Lawson of Sturgis, Michigan.

Visitation and funeral services for Tommie will both be held Thursday, September 28, 2017 at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM when the funeral service begins with Morris Wicker leading the service. Burial will follow at Orange Cemetery near Rome City. To share a favorite memory of Tommie, send a condolence and to sign his online guest book, please visit hitefuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.