Jon Francis Caudle

Jon Francis Caudle, 82, Harwood, passed from this life into the presence of Christ on May 27, 2021. He was born to George and Dorothy (Fields) Caudle in St. Louis on May 16, 1939. He was converted at age 10 while visiting Chatham Bible Church with his cousin, David. Jon received his primary education at a one-room schoolhouse in rural Washington County. After graduating from Ste. Genevieve High School in 1957, and a short stint in college at Rolla, he entered Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, where he met Judith Morerod on a revival team. They were married on May 29, 1959, shortly after Jon began his first pastorate at Morrisville Baptist Church. His passing was two days short of their 62nd anniversary.

To this union was born three children: Jon Jr, Jeffery and Karen.

From 1960 through 1964, Jon served in the USAF, stationed in Illinois, Kansas and California. In the latter two locations, he served in the pastorate. After his discharge, he continued to serve as a pastor, then as a church planter, director of missions and adjunct professor during his 60 years in ministry, serving churches in Missouri, Kansas, California, Texas and West Virginia. In addition to his passion for Jesus and for Judith, he was a passionate fisherman and he enjoyed listening to St. Louis Cardinal baseball games on the radio.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Lynn Moffet Caudle, and three grandchildren, Nathan Caudle, Geoffrey Caudle, and Janae Caudle.

Jon is survived by his wife, Judith, of the home; two brothers, Jim (Mary) of Terre du Lac and George (Janet) of Farmington, MI;  two sons, Jon, Jr. (Christina) of Harwood, and Jeffery of Quincy (Pamela Caudle of Bolivar); daughter, Karen (Seunghwa “Paul”) Lim of Pago Pago, American Samoa; 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren (including two due in August and September), plus many numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.

And the question Jon asked thousands of times during his life was, “Have you received Christ as your Savior, or is that something you are still looking forward to?”

Services were Wednesday, June 2, at Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs with Rev. Terry Mosher officiating.  EuLogist was Judith Caudle.  Interment was in Green Mound Cemetery, Harwood.

Contributions can be made to the Green Mound Cemetery Restroom Fund in care of Sheldon Funeral Home.

Music was “It Is Well With My Soul” and “I Stand Amazed In The Presence,” Congregational

Casketbearers: Jon Caudle, Zachariah Caudle, Philip Caudle, Josiah Caudle, Joseph Caudle and Jordan Caudle.

Arrangements by Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs. www.sheldongoodrich.com.