Dr. John Cadle

Dr. John Cadle, age 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and friends. With unwavering faith, John entered the kingdom of Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Cadle; and his sister, Mary June Hilburn.

A devoted husband and father, John leaves behind his beloved wife, Linda, from the home, sharing 62 years of marriage. He is also survived by his daughter, Dr. Kimberly Cadle, a pediatrician in Bentonville for over 25 years; his son, David Cadle, retired from the U.S. Forest Service; daughter-in-law, Anne; and two cherished grandsons, Bruce and Reed Cadle; two brothers, James and Ralph Cadle; and sister-in-law, Deb Cadle.

John faithfully served as a Gideon and was committed to prison ministry, leading men to Christ. He taught Sunday school at FBC Russellville and FBC Dover. He was particularly devoted to the "teletouch" Sunday school class that served homebound seniors.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving on the USS Hornet and the USS Yorktown from 1957-1962.

After his military service, he received a B.S. in Education and M.S. in Education from Central Missouri State University. He then received a Doctor of Education from University of Southern Mississippi. He served as the Department Chairman of Health and Physical Education at Upper Iowa University before moving to Arkansas and serving the remainder of his career at Arkansas Tech University.

John was a professor for 35 years at Arkansas Tech University and was honored as Professor Emeritus in 2014 and received the Faculty Award of Excellence in Teaching in 2000. He served on the faculty senate and was the director of the human performance lab for the Dept of Health and Physical Education while serving at ATU. He influenced and encouraged students and colleagues alike with his kindness and his passion for teaching.

John was a skilled woodworker and carpenter, building dressers, stands, and works that will stand forever. He loved riding motorcycles and traveled all over North America in retirement with his wife and beloved dog, Skipper. He loved the outdoors and introduced friends and family to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota and Canada. He was an avid racquetball player, camper and canoeist.

John leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, service, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 4:30-6 p.m., at Shinn Funeral Service in Russellville. Arrangements are under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.