William Thomas McCandlish

Funeral services for William Thomas “Tom” McCandlish, Sr., 77, of Calhoun, LA, will be held at 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in the Worship Center at First Baptist Church in West Monroe, LA, with Dr. Mark Fenn and Rev. Charles Martindale officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Calhoun, LA, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe.

Mr. McCandlish was born February 14, 1941, and passed away April 19, 2018.

Tom was an Independent Insurance Agent for many years. He served as a member of First Baptist Church and served as Chairman of the Ushers. He was affectionately known as “The Peppermint Man” for always handing out peppermints and as “The Train Man” because he could blow a train whistle with his mouth. He was very proud of his Scottish heritage and of being an American. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Tom loved his wife Barbara Ann, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and his entire family with all his heart. He always made sure they knew how much he loved them and he would say “And don’t you ever forget it”. Tom loved shaking hands with everyone he met and all of his dear friends and family. He was also known for his bear hugs, doing yard work and riding his John Deer Tractor. He raised his children to love God, family, friends, and our country. His favorite thing to do in his later days was to be with his family and hear them sing and play their favorite instruments, and listening to gospel music.

Mr. McCandlish was preceded in death by his parents, Pleasant McCandlish and Edna Cecelia Van Cleave McCandlish; sister, Judy McCandlish Williams; and brothers-in-law Milan Farlee, Don Walker.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 57 years, Barbara Ann Pierce McCandlish; his children, William Thomas McCandlish Jr. and wife Mary, John Pierce McCandlish and wife Jana, Karla Ann McCandlish McCoy and husband Gordon; nine grandchildren, Conn, William and Robert McCandlish, Ali McCandlish Clack (Shawn), Abbi and Emma McCandlish, Megan, Alex and Ben McCoy; two great grandchildren, Beaux and Piercyn Clack; three sisters, Sadie McCandlish Farlee, Bonnie McCandlish Wynne (Billy), and Betty Jane McCandlish Zaunbrecher (Kirk); two brothers, Raymond McCandlish and Duke McCandlish; and a host of nieces , nephews, great nieces and nephews and extended family.

Pallbearers will be Chris Jolly, Chris Williams, Matt Allen, Dr. Jeff Counts, Kenneth Swanner and Drew McCandlish. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ushers of First Baptist Church, West Monroe.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Monday, April 23, 2018, at First Baptist Church, West Monroe, LA.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in West Monroe, Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home or to the charity of your choice.

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com