James R. Caudle

James R. “Joe” Caudle, 91, died Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at his residence in Abilene, Texas. Born in Alexander (Erath County), Texas on December 19, 1923, Joe was the son of Vallie Lee (Walton) and James Rosser Caudle. After graduating from high school, he served from 1943 to 1945 in the U.S. Army during World War II in the South Pacific, having attained the rank of Tech Sgt. After returning from the war, Joe attended Hardin-Simmons University where he was a member of the HSU Cowboy Band. While attending Hardin- Simmons University, he met Joyce Cox whom he married on June 11, 1948 in Abilene. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage before she preceded Joe in death on November 8, 2008. After college Joe worked for Humble Oil Co. for 21 years, and then later in Abilene became a partner of Bob Lloyd LP Gas Co. from which he retired. In addition to Abilene, the couple had lived in Seminole, Brady, Big Lake, Midland, Odessa and Hobbs, New Mexico. Joe was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. In addition to his wife Joyce, Joe was preceded in death by one son, James Bradford Caudle on November 14, 2012; five brothers Claude, Homer, Brody, Edge and Earl; and three sisters Clota, Mary and Vivian. Survivors include a son, Jon Caudle and wife Denise of Abilene; two daughters, Alice Ruse and husband David of Guthrie, Oklahoma and Laura Odneal and husband Tracy of Farmersville, Texas; and a daughter-in-law, Jeanne Caudle of Chalk Hill, Texas. Joe is also survived by six grandchildren, Michael Ruse (Jennifer) of Edmond, OK, Steve Ruse (Brittany) of Willow Park, TX, Tim Ruse (Meagan) of McKinney, TX, Matt Caudle (Nikki) of Abilene, Russell Caudle of Richardson, TX, and Emily Liles (Campbell) of Nashville, Tennessee; and eight great-grandchildren, Joe Ruse, Jake Ruse, Holden Ruse, Fount Ruse, Grace Ruse, Faith Ruse, Sadie Ruse and Emma Caudle, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church officiated by Brother Jack Ridlehoover and Dr. Jeff Reid. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park - Garden of Peace directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 24, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church Music Ministry, 701 S. Pioneer Drive, Abilene, TX 79605.