Vercil "Clair" Caudill

Clair Caudill, age 91, of Albia, passed away Monday, August 8, 2011 at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Clair was born November 8, 1919 to Daniel Quincy and Levada (Moyle) Caudill in Lockman, Iowa. He attended and graduated from Albia High School, Class of 1938. After high school, Clair served his country in the U.S. Army for four years during World War II. He married Catherine Sereg in Albia on March 8, 1947at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They shared 64 years of marriage. Clair worked for several auto body shops before operating Caudill Body Shop in Albia and retiring as a body man. He was a member of the American Legion Howard Cessna Post #136, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Albia City Council, and was a 4-H Automotive Leader. He enjoyed being outdoors, particularly hunting. He never met a stranger, was very talented fixing things and was always willing to help others. He helped deliver Meals on Wheels, was a great shot with a sling shot, and family time was very important to him, especially time with the kids. Clair is survived by his wife, Catherine Caudill of Albia; his children and grandchildren, Susan (Patrick) McDonnell and their children, Jason and Sara of Charles City, Dean (Madonna) Caudill and their children, Tami, Scott, Missy, Jeff, and Lisa, Chris Caudill and his children, Edwin and Clara of Albia, Bill (Vicki) Caudill and their children, Miranda, Andy Burnside, Brianna, Marissa, and Brendan, and Dan (Rhonda) Caudill and their children, Heather and Alisha of Albia. Clair is also survived by 10 great grandchildren; two sisters, Alberta Friday and Ethel Lahart both of Albia; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons in infancy, Stephen and Mark Caudill; a daughter, Rose Caudill; a granddaughter, Nicole Caudill; two brothers, Edwin and Harold Caudill; and five sisters, Myrtle Cardenzana, Zella Cruchelow, Mabel Tyrrel, Betty Stocker, and Bertha Temperance Caudill in infancy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM, Thursday, August 11, 2011 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Michael E. Volkmer, C.PP.S. as celebrant . Burial will follow services in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Albia, with military rites provided by the American Legion, Howard Cessna Post #136. Visitation will be held from 1-8 PM, Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at the Tharp-Winfield Funeral Home in Albia. Clair’s family will be present throughout the day and evening. A rosary will be led Wednesday at 4 PM, provided by St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society and a Christian Wake Service will also be held at the funeral home, Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM. A memorial has been established to St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Welcome Home Soldier Memorial.

Vercil "Clair" Caudill

November 8, 1919 - August 8, 2011