Glenn Edward Caddell, age 86, a longtime Burlington, Washington resident, went to his forever home with his Heavenly Father April 27, 2023. He was born in Stearns, Kentucky to Elmer and Grace (Neely) Caddell. Hard times fell on Glenn’s family at a very young age and he and his brother, Louis were transferred to a local orphanage where they learned hard work, respect for others and a love for God, all guiding his life and opening up many doors in his family life and career.
Glenn started his Navy career (22yrs.), Air Force (4yrs.) at the early age of 17 and had the opportunity to not only serve his country but see the world from land, air and sea. Glenn was proud to have served on the USS Oriskany, USS Roosevelt, USS Midway and USS Lexington.
Glenn met his future wife, Joyce Brandstrom at the Burlington Skating rink in 1958 and were married in 1960. Glenn and Joyce went wherever the armed forces sent them to places like Soap Lake WA, Alameda CA, Westminster, CA, Memphis TN and Lemoore CA. Glenn and Joyce made many lifelong friends along the way. Glenn was not only dedicated to his country but also his loving family including his three kids, Vicky Evans (deceased husband, Ken), Christy Hawley (husband, Kelly), Daniel Caddell (wife, Angie). As a family, they travelled and camped all over the United States creating many stories that were relived many times throughout the years. Glenn was very proud of his family, his career and his love for God. He was known to brag about all of them and his love for them. Glenn’s love for the Lord was especially genuine and he told many family, friends and strangers about how Jesus offers us everlasting life. Glenn’s joy for life was apparent through his sense of humor and his love of laughter. Glenn’s advice to his children and grandchildren was Follow Christ and go to Church, treat others as you would like to be treated and you don’t have to like everyone but you do have to love them and like and love are not the same.
Glenn was a very active member of New Trinity Baptist Church in Burlington and enjoyed Paster Mahlon Hull’s sermons, Ron Jinkens Sunday School and the entire congregation.
Glenn also enjoyed the outdoors and had many fishing and hunting experiences. Many close family and friends remember the almost unbelievable fishing story that won him an award for the “Best Fishing Story.”
Glenn had a special fondness for kids and they all loved him. He was known by many as Grandpa Glenn. He loved telling stories, reading books and playing hide and seek.
Glenn retired from the service in 1980 as Senior Chief in the United States Navy after a long 26-year career and settled in Burlington, WA. He attended Skagit Valley College and then went on to work for repair shops such as Turners in Clear Lake and NC Machinery in Mount Vernon.
Glenn is survived by his wife, Joyce (Brandstrom); daughter, Vicky Evans; daughter, Christy Hawley and husband, Kelly; son, Daniel, Angie; six grandchildren, Christopher, Benjamin, Kellen, Katherine, Jacob and Kasey; six great grandchildren; brother, Lewis Caddell.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son in law, Kenneth Evans; eight siblings; along with his very dear friends, Ralph Mesch and Pastor Howard Cooper.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00, Friday May 19, 2023, at Lemley Chapel, Pastor Mahlon Hull presiding, followed by a Graveside Service at Greenhills Burlington Cemetery with Military Honors. A time of visitation will be available from 9:00 to 5:00 Wednesday and Thursday, May 17 and 18, at Lemley Chapel. Share your memories of Glenn and sign the online guest register.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Hospice of the Northwest, the VA and all the friends and caregivers that supported him and his family at this time.
In lieu of flower please make your donations to Hospice of the Northwest or St. Judes.
I always enjoyed our visits and dinners. One of my favorite memories was camping with Glenn and Joyce on the river in Mazama with Christy and her children. Sitting by the camp fire with him was like just one of the guys. He liked garage sales and shipwreck days, He was fun to hang out with while the girls were shopping. We were able to sit and share stories because we both joked about the girls coming back with treasures for us to carry. He was a amazing mechanic and it was a pleasure to share stories of the same trade. I was so lucky to have known him. He was a wonderful person. He was lucky to have a beautiful and loving family. I send my deepest sympathy to the entire family. I will miss you Glenn.
Glenn was a wonderful soul. A very special husband, father, grandfather and friend. He saw the good in people and was always willing to help others. He had deep faith in God. His smile would make a room glow and with that came his laughter. If you knew Glenn you would know his amazing unique laugh. I will miss and cherish his laughter. He once wore a shirt with a mushroom that said I am the fungi (fun guy). So Glenn. I will miss his wisdom, jokes, stories and great since humor. I was blessed to have known him for forty years and share some wonderful times and play pranks on each other. He was one in a million and brought out the best in everyone that crossed his path. I will miss him and hold him in my heart forever. He just made you feel good. A amazing man. I send my deepest sympathies to my dear friend Christy and her entire family.
god bless may you rest in peace. Glenn we will laugh together again someday. Love You always