Marvin E. McCardle

Marvin Ernest McCardle of Metairie, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the age of 75. Marvin, affectionately known as "Poppa" by his grandchildren, was born on October 9, 1950, in New Orleans to Willie Marvin McCardle and Leatrice Backstrom McCardle. He grew up in Metairie and attended East Jefferson High School. He was also a proud member of the United States Naval Reserve.

Marvin raised his three children in Old Metairie while working for 25 years as a Yard Master with Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. In 2000, he became a Catastrophic Claims Adjuster working for Worley Catastrophe Response and later for Pilot Catastrophe Services until his retirement.

Marvin loved sports throughout his life and especially enjoyed sharing that passion with his family. He coached his children's cabbage ball and basketball teams at St. Catherine of Siena. Marvin discovered a talent and passion for tennis while at LSU. That passion would remain with him throughout his life. He passed the love of the game along to two of his children and later to two of his grandchildren, creating lasting family memories both on and off the court. In more recent years, Marvin learned to play pickleball. He could often be found in his backyard engaged in spirited pickleball matches with his grandchildren.

A devoted LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints fan, Marvin rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his favorite teams. Many family gatherings were planned around kickoff times, game schedules, and lively discussions about the latest victories and defeats. Whether watching from home or attending sporting events in person, cheering for his teams was one of his favorite ways to spend time with those he loved.

Marvin also loved card games and family competitions. He spent countless hours around tables with his children and grandchildren, teaching them not only how to play but also the importance of following the rules. His family quickly learned that Poppa was a competitor to the core and a stickler for fairness. While this sometimes led to fiery debates over game play, it also led to some of the family's most treasured laughter-filled memories.

More than anything, Marvin was one of his grandchildren's biggest fans. He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on, whether from the bleachers, the sidelines, or the audience. He proudly attended countless baseball, soccer, basketball, football, track, and golf events, as well as theater performances, celebrating each achievement and milestone with genuine enthusiasm. His grandchildren always knew they could count on seeing Poppa's familiar face in the crowd or hearing his recognizable whistle, supporting them every step of the way.

Throughout his career and personal travels, Marvin visited all but five states in the United States. He enjoyed seeing new places and meeting new people. He also possessed a remarkable talent for working with his hands and a gift for figuring out how to repair just about anything. Whether fixing something in his own home or helping one of his children with a project, Marvin was always willing to lend his skills, knowledge, and time. He enjoyed working on his many classic cars and looked forward each year to attending Cruisin' the Coast with his cherished "Cruising Family." He also enjoyed the company of his many "brothers" from his high school fraternity, Sigma Epsilon Chi.

Music was another lifelong passion. Marvin especially loved The Beatles and taught himself to play the guitar. Family gatherings were made even more memorable by another of his well-known talents: his famous macaroni and cheese. No holiday, celebration, or family meal felt complete without it. His grandchildren insisted on it!

Marvin always stayed busy and lived life to the fullest. Even during his courageous battle with cancer, he continued pursuing his hobbies, spending time with family and friends, and creating memories with the people he loved most.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Willie ("Buster") McCardle and Leatrice ("Sister") McCardle, and by Lois Rice McCardle, who shared an important chapter of his life as his wife and the mother of his children.

He is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 28 years, Stephanie LeBlanc McCardle; his children, whom he loved more than they will ever know, Lance Christian McCardle (Karen), Heather McCardle Jovanovich (Eric), Allison Paige McCardle, and stepdaughter Stacy Ellis Cancienne (Joey); and his beloved grandchildren, Nicholas Jovanovich, Thomas McCardle, Maddie Jovanovich, Peter McCardle, Wesley McCardle, and step grandson Caleb Cancienne. He was the proudest Poppa in the world and never missed an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments, milestones, and everyday joys of his grandchildren's lives. He is also survived by his siblings, Susan Richard (Paul, Sr.), Richard McCardle (Ruby, deceased), and Douglas McCardle (Adela).

The family would like to acknowledge Heart of Hospice and Nurse Kelly Godbold for the loving care they extended to Buster, Leatrice, and Marvin.

Services will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Friday, October 9, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a 1:00 p.m. Mass. A private burial will follow at a later date.