John Joseph 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.
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. He is survived by two brothers, James and Ralph Cadle, and sister-
in-law Deb Cadle. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Cadle, and
his sister Mary June Hilburn.
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 at Shinn"s Funeral Home in
Russellville on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 4:30-6:00 The family asks that memorials
be made to Gideons International in lieu of flowers.