Donald Lee Caudle, Jr. was born in Kansas City, Missouri on November 24, 1945 and died after a brief battle with cancer on January 6, 2015. He was the eldest of three sons born to Donald Lee Caudle, Sr. and Katheryne Burgess Caudle. He was precocious and curious even as a small boy. In high school, he actively participated in the Shawnee Mission East band, swim, and golf teams, and golf would continue to be a passion of Don's throughout his lifetime. His arrival in Springfield to attend Drury College began a lifelong love affair with the city and other than serving his country in the Kansas National Guard where he was stationed in Ft. Carson, Colorado, he planted roots in the community where he raised his family and established himself in business and as a community leader. Don was a natural leader. He joined Sigma Nu fraternity as a freshman at Drury and by his senior year, as he was completing a BA in finance, he was elected Commander. Before earning his MBA at Drury, Don worked briefly for TWA in the cost improvement department. When his National Guard unit was activated, he was ultimately assigned to the commanding general staff working on cost improvement for the army. His first job out of graduate school was for Brown Derby Liquor Store as a store manager and wine buyer. His location was the first to sell fine wine in Springfield. In 1968, he married Carolyn Knabb and together they parented two children, Courtney Caudle Johnson and Donald Lee Caudle III. Don was quick-witted, social and never one to leave a challenge unanswered or a friend left in need. When fraternity brother Johnny Morris needed support to present his idea for Bass Pro Shops to his father, Don was there with rationale and marketing strategy. Don was one of Springfield's consummate real estate brokers. He began his career working for Jones and Company Real Estate as a managing broker. By 1986, he was a founding partner in House of Brokers, which became RE/MAX House of Brokers in 1988. Over the years, he became one of the city's top brokers and he achieved many regional and national accolades for top real estate sales. He had a personal philosophy of ethical service and a commitment to continuous learning. His door was always open to any real estate broker, competitor or co-worker. Over his lifetime, Don continued to hone his golf game as a member of Hickory Hills Country Club, where he served on the board on numerous occasions and where his skills led to 7 holes-in-one (including every par 3 at Hickory Hills) which led to significant celebratory bar tabs. His lifelong love for the sport of golf led him and partners to purchase Hidden Valley Golf Links in Boaz, MO. Don made lifelong friends and celebrated these friendships with annual excursions to Las Vegas or other destinations where they could test their skills against the blackjack table. One evening of note Don and his partners won their way into the "dust line" and had the entire casino cheering their every success. Extraordinarily civic minded, Don was active in many community organizations over the years. He served on the Springfield Board of Realtors and on the board of the Dickerson Park Zoo. He was an active volunteer and committee member for numerous other Springfield charities. Don and Tara Wheat Caudle, a real estate broker, met in 1997 and married in 2001. For the past 13 years, the two have been inseparable sharing both their professional and personal lives. Don and Tara traveled, enjoyed good food and wine, and explored their community and world around them. Don was extremely engaged in raising Tara's children and, most recently, in raising step-granddaughter Starla, who called Don "Pop-Pop," according to family tradition. He was equally devoted to all his grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Tara; children, Courtney Caudle Johnson, Donald Lee Caudle III; stepchildren Heather Brook Martz, Bridget Martz Willett, Brandon Scott Martz, and Jamie Christopher Martz. Don was the proud grandfather of eight: Avery and Cailyn Johnson, and step grandchildren Tyson, Houston, Hawkins, Starla, Hendrix and Jaxon. Surviving siblings include Roger Caudle of Kansas City and Allen Caudle of Houston, Texas. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Thursday, January 8, 2015 from six until eight in the evening at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in the Brentwood Chapel at 1947 E. Seminole in Springfield, MO. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 9 at 9am at First & Calvary Presbyterian Church at 820 E. Cherry St. with graveside services to follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood, Springfield, MO 65804. The family will host a reception afterwards to celebrate Don's life at First & Calvary immediately following the interment. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.