Ralph H. "Squeak" Caughlin

Ralph H. "Squeak" Caughlin, 89, of Platea, died peacefully on Monday, August 14, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family following a short illness. 

He was born on September 17, 1933, a son of the late Roy and Gladys (Mosher) Caughlin.  He attended Rice Avenue Union High School.  In 1953 he enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the infantry.  After his honorable discharge, he returned to Platea and continued working on cargo ships sailing across Lake Erie.  He went to work for Service Transport until 1959.  He then worked at Consolidated Freight and Ohio Fast Freight.  Following he became a self-employed truck driver with Roberts Express.  His wife, Nancy joined him until their retirement in 1995.  For over 20 years they were snowbirds going back and forth to Florida.  In all his years of driving, he never had a chargeable accident.  

He was an avid lover of Boston bull terriers and always had one with him, even in the truck.  He enjoyed golf, horseshoes, bowling, dancing, playing cards and stock car racing.  He enjoyed racing at Eriez Speedway, Stateline and Raceway 7 until 1967 and then worked as a pit steward lining up cars at Raceway 7.  He was a lifetime member of three Masonic Lodges, the Western Star Lodge #304, Mount Olivet Commandery #30 Mound Royal Arch #212.  He was a retired local Teamster 397, member of the Conneaut Moose #472, Girard American Legion Post #494 and Elks Lodge #256 in Conneaut. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Archie, Melvin, Elmer (Bud) and Clarence Caughlin; a sister, Dorothy Gilbert. 

He will be greatly missed by his family which includes his wife of 60 years, Nancy C. (Smith) Caughlin; his dog Lucky;  daughters, Becky Jordan (Darby) of McKean and Carol Froehlich Vaughn of McKean; a sister, Mildred Bastert of Kentucky; grandchildren, Susan Baker, Michael Bailey (Jessica), A.J. Bailey, Brandon Froehlich and Erin Froehlich; and great grandson, Rocklin Bailey. 

Friends may call on Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Edder Funeral Home Inc. 309 Main St. E. Girard. A Masonic Service will be held at 6:00 pm followed by an American Legion Prayer Service at 6:30 pm. A Funeral Service will be held there the following day Friday at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Platea Cemetery. 

To send condolences, visit edderfuneralhome.com.

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