LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Lexington homeless shelter is mourning the loss of one of its own. A few weeks ago, Spectrum News 1 introduced you to Brother Thomas Caudill, the driver of Catholic Action Center’s Compassionate Care Van. Caudill passed away Saturday, Jan. 18, after going into cardiac arrest.


What You Need To Know

  • Brother Thomas Caudill devoted his life to helping members of Lexington's homeless community 

  • Caudill drove the Catholic Action Center's 'Compassionate Care Van' 

  • Members of the homeless community say he did not judge them and was someone they trusted 

  • Caudill passed away Saturday Jan 18 at 57 years old

Jessie Conway, a homeless man living at the Catholic Action Center’s temporary winter shelter at a local hotel, has known Brother Thomas Caudill nearly his whole life. Conway said he has known Caudill for 45 years.

Jessie Conway, who's homeless, lives at the Catholic Action Center’s temporary winter shelter at a local hotel. He has known Brother Thomas Caudill nearly his whole life. (Spectrum News 1/Austin Schick)

“In the early 90s we poured a lot of concrete and done a lot of construction work together, him and his Uncle Gary,” Conway said.

Caudill was best known for driving the Catholic Action Center’s Compassionate Care Van. Spectrum News rode along with Caudill as he was bringing supplies, food and taking people without homes to shelter, despite the snow and cold temperatures. Conway said Caudill’s work meant a lot to him and other members of Lexington’s homeless community.

“He was a people person, and he loved to help, even if it put him out or out his way he didn’t care; as long as he was helping or doing something good, I heard him say many times he will come back later, it doesn’t matter you’re doing good," Conway said.

Brother Thomas worked at the Catholic Action Center for over 20 years. Co-founder, Ginny Ramsey, said he played a crucial role at the homeless shelter. She said Caudill had a knack for reaching people in the ‘deep camps’ and bringing them to shelter and resources.

“That connection that he made with so many people is indescribable as far as the impact that he had,” Ramsey said.

Compassion, empathy, understanding and a beacon of hope for so many in Lexington’s homeless community.

“Trust is hard, but he was understanding of the people man, he done a lot of things for me and I respected him,” said a man wishing to only be identified as Jackson.

“If he had the time and somebody needed some help, he was there without a doubt,” said Antony Acotsa, another unhoused man.

A legacy gone but never forgotten.

“What greater thing can you say about a human being at the end of their time on Earth but that they were loved, and they loved and that is absolutely Brother Thomas Caudill,” Ramsey said.

Caudill was 57 years old.

The Catholic Action Center says its work helping the homeless is continuing, as they search for someone to fill the big void left behind. Caudill’s memorial service will take place Friday, Jan. 24.

Ramsey said they plan to honor Caudill at a Street Voice Council tribute on Feb. 6 at the Lyric Theater in Lexington.