Marvin Ross Caddell

Marvin R. Caddell, of Plymouth, formerly of Freetown passed away unexpectedly on October 9, 2023 after a protracted illness. He survived two months of hospitalization at the start of the year. Once discharged home Marvin was determined to rebuild his strength and he could often be found exercising in the stairwell or cycling on his stationary trainer. Ski season was just around the corner you know, and he was determined to be ready. After he gained some weight and built some muscle back, he underwent several months of chemotherapy without much complaint. His drive and strength were inspiring. He was a warrior.

Marvin was born in Denison, Texas in 1948 to Lorelle and Joseph Caddell. His family was an Air Force family and traveled overseas and across the country. Marvin lived in many places as a youngster, but it was time spent on his grandparents’ farm in Lisbon, North Dakota that he recalled so fondly.

Marvin returned to Texas and graduated from Palo Duro High School and attended Amarillo College. He referred to this time of his life as typical high school years. On one “typical” day he took apart his car engine to see how it worked and found he had a few extra parts when he finished putting it back together. Another “typical” day was spent trapping rattlesnakes for bounty, and he HATED snakes. His “typical” summer job on the wheat harvest took him away from home for the first time traveling with a wheat harvest combine team. He worked hard.

In 1968, he enlisted in the Navy and after boot camp in San Diego; he completed submarine school in New London, CT. He served on the USS Guardfish in Pearl Harbor and in Pascagoula. It was on these long deployments that Marvin’s love of science fiction was ignited. He was a voracious reader devouring a new book every few days. He taught himself guitar during this time, always open to trying something new.

In 1971, Marvin was selected for the Navy Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP) and graduated from the University of Utah with a BS in Math in 1974. Here he joined the diving team and learned and loved to ski. Flight school was next in Pensacola and Corpus Christi. Although he loved flying, he decided that surface warfare was where his focus would be.

After completion of Officer Candidate School in 1974, Marvin served in various capacities. He was the Division officer on both the USS Henderson and on the Henry B. Wilson. He later served on the USS Fox as the Combat Systems Officer. Marvin was deployed on the USS Julius A. Furer from 1986 to 1988 as the Executive Officer. He then transitioned to the Officer in Charge of the R. L. Page reactivation in Charleston, SC from 1988 to 1989. He was instrumental in preparing this frigate for lease to the Pakistani Navy.

Marvin’s leadership, experience, and expertise as a combat systems specialist led him back to the Surface Warship Training School in Newport, RI. This time not as the apprentice but as a well-respected teacher beloved by students and colleagues alike.

Marvin received many medals, awards, and badges during his Naval career. These included the Navy Commendation Medal with 2 gold stars, the Navy Achievement Medal with gold star, the Navy “E” Ribbon, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 3 bronze stars. He retired as a Commander (05) August 31, 1992, after 24 years of distinguished service to his country.

Marvin’s second career in the defense industry lasted over 20 years, most notably at Northrop Grumman. He worked in business development in efforts to provide our Navy with the most effective combat and defense systems to protect us both here and abroad. In 2013, Marvin retired from Northrop Grumman affording him more time to enjoy some of his favorite pastimes like golfing, and skiing.

If Marvin was not playing golf, he was watching it, listening to it, and more recently wagering on it. As much as he loved golf, alpine skiing was his biggest passion. He described it as "dancing with gravity on snow” and he was good at it. He was an expert and there was no ski run that intimidated him. He volunteered as a Killington Ambassador and found joy in helping patrons find their way around the mountain or navigate a gnarly trail. He wanted to share the magic of skiing. Marvin was fortunate to ski extensively throughout the US and Canada over the years and an annual trip “out west” was a given. He was always in search of that quintessential powder and epic run. Skiing was his thing.

Although Marvin’s civilian and military work took him to Sri Lanka, Kenya, the Serengeti in Tanzania, Hong Kong, Australia, UK, and many places in between, his love of travel off duty and in retirement did not wane. Once fully retired he with his family and his faithful dog Wiatt, traveled the country in a 42-foot motor home visiting family and dozens of national parks.

Marvin could fix and build anything and if he did not know how, he taught himself how. He pondered, researched, read, and watched. He was a problem solver. His analytical brain, his patience, and his willingness to try, try again proved more successes than failures. He once found a way to fix his phone using the microwave oven. Much to his surprise, his phone functioned for a few weeks.

Marvin had a kind, giving soul. He was generous with his time and his belongings and would drop anything to help a friend or family member in need. He shared his culinary skills with those he loved preparing cookouts and Sunday dinners regularly. He especially enjoyed hosting Christmas dinner. Cooking came from his heart and his home was your home.

Marvin had an amazing life and always focused on the positive. The words “could have, should have, would have” were not part of his vernacular. He espoused to always looking ahead as changing the past was not an option. Marvin loved completely, felt deeply, and lived fully. He really lived. His presence will be missed but his essence is eternal in our memories.

Marvin is survived by his loving wife Karen (Couto) Caddell of 33 years, his children James Morrison, Jerod Caddell and his wife Cindy, and Ammy Fason. He is predeceased by his parents Lorelle Caddell and Joseph Caddell and his brother Loren Caddell. He leaves behind three sisters Karel Bennet, Rita Steiner, and Debra Hacket, five grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and many adoring nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 11:00 to 1:00PM with Naval Military Honor's at 12:30PM in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhome.com