It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of J. Robin Caudle, 72, of Oklahoma City, OK,on July 4, 2025. A loving husband, father, "Daddy Pa," brother, and friend, Robin's life was one of dedication, kindness, and service to others.

Robin was born on September 21,1952, in Fayette, Alabama, and grew up in a tight-knit family that instilled in him a love for learning and adventure. He was a 1970 graduate of Brilliant High School. He found and married the love of his life, Mary Jane and was married for 53 years raising five children together. He later earned a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Sciences from Auburn University. Robin continued his academic pursuits with a master's in public administration from Troy State University. He further expanded his knowledge with a master's in production management from the University of Arkansas and an Associate Degree in Computer Science from Oklahoma Community College.

Robin's passion for education did not stop at school. He was always learning and exploring new things. Whether it was taking woodworking or welding classes or tinkering in his garage to fix things, he never stopped growing intellectually or personally. His curiosity and resourcefulness were part of what made him so special.

In 1974, Robin was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, where he served for over 20 years. As a pilot, Robin flew over all 50 states, four oceans (Pacific, Indian, Atlantic, and Artic) and across the globe. During his career as a pilot, he flew over or landed in the following countries:

Canada, Ireland, England, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, Philippines, Guam, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Columbia, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Providenciales (Caicos Islands), Oman, Bermuda, Maldives, Diego Garcia

He was proud to serve in the U.S. Air Force, particularly during his time as an Operations Officer. He was stationed at multiple bases during his career.

 Wurtsmith AFB (1976-1979)

 S.O.S. – Montgomery (1979)

 Blytheville AFB (1980-1982)

 Tyndall AFB-Catco (1982-1983)

 Scott AFB – ASJA (1983-1985)

 Yokota AFB – (1985-1988)

 Blytheville AFB (1988-1991)

 Oklahoma City (1991-1994)

Retiring as a Major from the USAF in August 1994, Robin continued his service to his country as a civilian employee at the FAA, where he remained until April 2018.

Outside of his professional life, Robin found joy in his gardening, which became a beloved hobby in retirement that he passed on to his children. His love for tinkering, gardening, and his unwavering curiosity about the world made him a unique and cherished figure in his family's life. Robin was an incredibly patient and loving individual. He was known for his kind heart, unwavering support of his family, and his commitment to sharing his knowledge with others. He adored his wife, his children, and grandchildren, taking time to teach, coach sports, mentor, and encourage them in their pursuits. Robin's curiosity about the world never waned, including multiple trips later in life rockhounding and kayaking.  To continuously quench his thirst for knowledge, he often turned to YouTube to for instruction on both old and new technologies.

Robin was predeceased by his daughter Marcie, parents Keller and RosaMae Caudle and parent in-laws Frank and Mildred Morris , 1 brother Kenneth and 2 sisters Delana and Glenda, and is survived by his wife Mary Jane Caudle, children Kristy, Brian, Nicholaus, Jeremy ,and Jessica; daughters-in-law Kristy Lynn, Katy, and Keiko, and son-in-law Zach. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren—Hayley, Hayden, Cora, Emalyn, Abel, Michelle, Christine, and Kaylee, along with four-great-grandchildren—AJ, Myla, Madelyn, and Cooper. Robin is also survived by brothers and sisters, David Caudle(Edna), Noel Caudle, Alan Caudle(Debbie), Ivan Caudle (Karen),and sisters Waneta Dickinson, Trina Gentry, and Edrina White, brother in-laws, Bobby Jo Criddle (Glenda), sister in-law JoAnn Ingram, and sister in-law, Texie Warnick (Mike), as well as nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Robin's life will be held on Thursday July 10, 2025 at 10:00am at Vondel L Smith and Son Funeral home, at 2:00 pm his ashes will be laid to rest at Ft. Sill National Cemetary in Elgin, OK.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to one of these charities: Wounded Warrior Project (AMVET.org), Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF.org) and Gary Senise Foundation (Garysinisefoundation.org).

Robin's legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Go fly again Daddy, your wings are free.