John Cecil Caddell

John Cecil Caddell, 69, of Junction City, peacefully passed at his home on Sunday, February 1^st, 2026. He was born on December 23^rd, 1956 to the late Glenn Cecil Caddell and Iona Margaret (Cox) Caddell, both of whom he has joyfully reunited with in heaven.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a brother, Mack Caddell, a nephew, Glen Caddell, a sister-in-law, Valorie Caddell, a brother-in-law, Garry Stevens, his father and mother-in law, John and Hester Vermillion, and his precious loving dog, Barkley.

John was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, stationed in Naples, Italy aboard the USS Piedmont. After serving his country, John had a long career as an over the road truck driver, and was an avid outdoorsman who spent his free time fishing, canoeing, camping, and riding his Harley. John loved trips to the beach and the Tennessee mountains and possessed a love and kindness for all animals.  Above all else, he held boundless and unconditional love for his children, grandchildren and wife, Karen – with whom he shared a loving bond that began in childhood, walking home from grade school carrying her books, and endured through 48 beautiful years of marriage. His retired years were filled with treasured memories made with his family, and his greatest blessings – his grandchildren, to each of whom he spoke so softly, held so tenderly, and loved immeasurably.

Those left to celebrate his life are his wife, Karen (Vermillion) Caddell, two sons, Matthew (Nicole) Caddell and Dylan (Abigail) Caddell, a daughter, Savannah (Patrick) Gillespie, five grandchildren, Ian and Eli Gillespie, Logan Hooker-Caddell, Ember Caddell, and arriving in the spring, Carter Rose Caddell, a sister in law, Connie Stevens, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. John will be deeply missed but forever remembered as our loving and devoted husband, father, and “Pap”.

Services for John will be held on Friday, February 6^th, 2026, at Stith Funeral Home in Junction City with John Kesel officiating. Visitation will begin at 1 PM through 3 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3 PM. Burial will be held at a later date at Camp Nelson National Cemetery with full military honors. Honorary pallbearers include Zach Underwood, Shawn Stevens, Jeremy Stevens, Sherry Caddell, and Lisa Griffitts Coulter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Boyle County Humane Society or Heritage Hospice.