Dan CAUDLE

CAUDLE, Dan Died January 8, 2018. Born August 4, 1922 in Dublin, Texas. He came to Tucson in 1942 when in the Air Force and was stationed at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. He served overseas in the Philippines and Australia during WWII. In 1942 he met his lifetime love, Betty and they married in 1943 before he went overseas. He has called Tucson his home for the most part of 74 years. He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth Ann (Joseph) Floyd, grandchildren Joseph (Kathy) Floyd, Jeffrey (Andrea) Floyd, Becky (Warner) Smith, Beth (Andy) Stephens and Danny Caudle, great-grandchildren Danielle, Jeremiah, Austin, Tyler, Jake, Aubrey, Ethan, Logan and Carlee. He is preceded in death by his wife Betty, son Kenny and daughter-in-law Linda. After the war he worked as an electrician. During this time he met Clayton (Betty) Gibson and they had a shared interest in collecting minerals. The two couples spent many weekends in and around old mines "rockhounding". In 1955 Dan, along with Clayton and their wives, started the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, which is now world famous. Dan was an honorary life time member of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society. During his life he was also President of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies and President of the Rocky Mountain Mineralogical Societies. After he retired as an electrician he and his wife Betty opened Cibola Gem and Mineral, a successful business they ran for many years. He enjoyed camping, travel, woodworking and feeding "his birds". He will be remembered for his many interests, enjoyment of family and love of life. He will be thought of often and held close to our hearts. There will be a private family gathering to honor his memory. Rest in peace Daddy.