Leon Lowe Caulley

Leon Lowe Caulley passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday August 22nd, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the age of 87. Leon was born November 22nd, 1937, in Portsmouth, Ohio where he spent his youth and graduated from Sciotoville High School. 

Growing up, Leon helped his parents in their family grocery store in New Boston, Ohio. Leon and his father were known for telling jokes and playing pranks on the many friends they saw come through the door. Leon’s sense of humor was always a distinct part of his personality which persisted until his final days, always trying to get in one last laugh. 

As a child Leon’s family was active in the Methodist church, which helped develop his faith and love for music. Leon grew up as an only child but was very close to his Clark cousins who he cherished as siblings. He was particularly close with his cousin Gary who he leaned on as a brother. His cousins meant the world to him. 

After meeting the love of his life, Carolyn, Leon was quickly married. They moved to Columbus, Ohio to raise a family. Leon was the first person to be hired at the Coca-Cola plant where he worked in QC chemistry to ensure our Cokes were always delicious. Leon loved the friends he made at Coca-Cola and worked there for over 20 years, until he retired to care for Carolyn in her final years. 

Leon also had a love of automobiles and car design. Some of his best memories were spent with friends cruising the road and showing off their cars. Later in life Leon collected antique cars and particularly loved both the Citroen and Hudson automobiles, always looking for his perfect car. Leon restored a 1952 Hudson and started a small business driving it for special events on the weekend. Leon was very honored to have a car he designed published in a national automobile magazine and served as the editor of the Hudson auto club newsletter. 

Leon and his wife Carolyn spent many hours ballroom dancing together until her illness in the early 90s. They shared a passion for music, and it helped them find joy through many struggles they went through. After Carolyn’s passing, dancing kept Leon going and helped ease her loss. Leon kept dancing until he was no longer able to walk, making many friends along the way. 

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Margaret (Clark) Caulley; brothers, Roger Lee and Lowell Edward Caulley; wife, Carolyn (Carpenter) Caulley; and son, Allan Caulley.

He is survived by his children, Brian and Melinda (Caulley) Tyrone; and by his grandchildren, Theodore and Audrey Clager. 

Calling hours will be held on Thursday August 28th, 2025, from 11AM-12PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson followed by a funeral service beginning at 12PM. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.