Earl Caudill, 85, of Fairland died Saturday, March 10, 2012, at his residence.

Born July 22, 1926, in Manco, Ky., he was the son of Gabe and Dora (Spencer) Caudill. He married Jessie Ward on Jan. 9, 1947, and she survives.

Other survivors include son, Earl Alan Caudill of Fairland; daughter, Elaine (Kevin) Hulsman of Boggstown; sisters, Thresaey Smith and Carlee (Pookie) Boschain, both of of Coal City, W.V.; grandchildren, Suzan Thomas, Kami Robinson, Erturk Mehmet, Brooke Adkins, Chris Adkins, Heather Repass, Amber Caudill, and Jasen Caudill; great-grandchildren, Ronald Thomas, Rachel Thomas, Samantha Mehmet, Teaira Smith, Austin Smith, Alyvia Smith, Autumn Adkins, Macey Ballard, Shaylen Gobel, Kelly Lawson, Alan Lawson; and great-great-grandsons, Francis Drake and Presley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Shirley Caudill Mehmet; and brothers, Burley "Pin" Caudill and Denver "Noonie" Caudill.

Mr. Caudill moved to West Virginia as a child and was a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1944 through 1946. He then worked as a mechanic until enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1952. After leaving the U.S. Navy, he worked in the coal mines in West Virginia for 12 years.

He moved to Indiana in 1965 and worked at Schwitzer Corp. for 22 years, then at Spenax until he retired at 62.

Earl raised white doves as his favorite hobby. He loved bow hunting and considered his mounted eight-point buck his greatest accomplishment. He also loved catfish fishing on Bluestone River in West Virginia.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 13th, at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 14th at the funeral home, with the Rev. Greg Glover officiating.

Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, with graveside military rites conducted by local veterans organizations.

Memorial contributions can be made in his name to Cancer Association of Shelby County, 31 Public Square, Shelbyville IN 46176.

An online guest book may be signed at www.murphyparks.com.