Bobbie E Caho

Bobbie E. Caho, 100, from Punta Gorda passed away at 6:25 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. He suffered complications from a fractured hip and passed days later with family by his side. He was born on January 8, 1924 in Peoria, Illinois to George and Dora (Loper) Caho and preceded in death by his parents, five brothers: Harvey, Leroy “Roy,” Calvin “Ray,” Charles, and Kenny Caho; his first wife, Marjorie “Marge” L. Caho, his daughters, Kathleen Caho, Mary Caho Collins, son, Daniel; grandson, Christopher; granddaughter, Dani Elizabeth Caho; great-grandson, Brayden Butcher, great-granddaughter, Heather Lolling; and a special companion, Betty L. Payne.

Bobbie is survived by his sons, Patrick Caho of Peoria, IL, Timothy (Diana) Caho of Tucson, AZ; his second wife, Mona (Bordenkecher) Caho, stepchildren, Matt (Debra) Bordenkecher, Mike Bordenkecher, Ann (Jim) Hamilton, Joe (Debby) Bordenkecher; eight grandchildren: Irene Casey, Jeff Caho, John and Anthony Collins, Danielle Chockley, Lea Caho, Mercedes Caho, and Dominic Bracamonte; 27 great-grandchildren and one on the way; 10 great-great-grandchildren and one on the way; extended family members, and Betty’s sons, Michael and Steve Payne.

On Bobbie’s 19th birthday, he was drafted by the Army at 5’3”and nicknamed “Gremlin” by his platoon due to his short stature. He was in the 106th Artillery Battalion attached to the 27th Infantry Division and fought in the Battle of Saipan and Okinawa in the Pacific during WWII. One of Bobbie’s proudest moments was receiving a Bronze Star Medal from General Douglas MacArthur. Bobbie was discharged on January 8, 1946, his 22nd birthday, three years to the day he was drafted. To learn about his war stories and interviews with Don Moore, visit https://donmooreswartales.com/2015/03/18/bobbie-caho/

Bobbie enjoyed making cabinets and other woodworking projects with his father. He discovered a way to off-set blade cuts, creating wide channel cuts in the wood and invented what later was named the “wobble blade.” He earned a certification in Wood Technology and became a cabinet maker in Peoria, later owning the shop for 55 years, making customized cabinets for residents. He retired and moved to Florida in the early 1980’s with a childhood friend and former classmate, Betty Payne. He often shared fond memories of Betty and their trip to Thailand long after her passing.

Bobbie and his second wife, Mona, traveled to all 50 states, including trips to Costa Rica, Thailand, and the Philippines. When not traveling, he continued his passion for woodworking projects, including building jewelry boxes, step stools, and heavy-duty workbenches for family members. He had a special penchant for feeding wildlife, including a squirrel he named, “Ms. Stubbs,” after it appeared in his yard without a tail. Bobbie also had compassion for stray cats often taking them into his home. He enjoyed gumballs and old-fashioned caramel cream candy while listening to live music on Tuesday evenings performed by Music on the River at Gilchrist Park and recently playing Bingo at the manor. Bobbie was even driving at the age 100 to run local errands and handed over his keys after purchasing Valentine’s Day gifts for his wife, Mona.

The family would like to thank the Hampton Manor staff, especially Angie, Tennille, Kelcie, and Michael; A Perfect Choice founder, Brandi, and Bobbie’s caretakers; Tidewell Hospice House – Port Charlotte staff, especially the receiving nurse, Melanie; local granddaughters, Irene Casey and Danielle Chockley for their availability and communicating updates on Bobbie’s condition during his final days, New Life in Christ Church’s Pastor Bob Carlson, Nicole from Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, along with Fred and Kelly from the Charlotte County Music Club.

Bobbie's funeral will be held at New Life in Christ Church, 507 West Marion Avenue, on Monday, July 29th. Visitation will begin at 11:00am, with a service to follow at 1:00pm, concluding with a burial at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens, 27200 Jones Loop Road in Punta Gorda at 2:30pm.

Flowers are greatly appreciated, or feel free to send a donation to the Peace River Wildlife Center at https://prwildlife.org/ or the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County at https://www.awlshelter.org/ in Bobbie’s honor.