Michael D. Caddell was born January 2, 1955 in Le Roy, Kansas, not far from where the Appeal to Reason, largest newspaper of its time, was published half a century earlier. He passed away unexpectedly on March 1, 2024.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Max and Sondra (Linebaugh) Caddell and brother Matthew Caddell. He is survived by brother Mark and wife, Shari Caddell, brother Martin Caddell, sister, Marshiela Runnels, all of Leavenworth, KS, his wife, Kris Caddell, daughter, Rachel Waltermire of Chanute, KS and son, Tristan Caddell of Nortonville, KS.

Mike's life was a testament to his passion for printing and publishing, a craft he honed over four decades, which included running two weekly newspapers in Pottawatomie County, and later The Fightin’ Cock Flyer, a weekly broadsheet in Jefferson County. He was an early adopter of
Internet broadcasting, producing the daily Radio Free Kansas and theFightin’ Cock Flyer news blog for many years, where he shared national and world news and interviewed journalists, filmmakers, showcasing the creative efforts of people all over the country. His son Tristan assisted with producing the show, which ran for over 4000 episodes since 2007.

In later years, he created carefully laid-out old-style folded and stapled pamphlets reminiscent of Tom Paine essays which included historical articles about Kansas and its tangled history of pro-slavery whites and abolitionists. These were inspired by the Little Blue Books of E. Haldeman-Julius, also from SE Kansas near Mike- home town. His printing projects, which he mailed to a list of readers including Ed Asner, with whom he regularly chatted on the phone about Mr. Asner's days as President of the Screen Actors’ Guild and his youth in Kansas City. He counted among his friends and acquaintances many distinguished investigative journalists, distinguished historians, activists and writers who enjoyed his down-home approach to politics.

Inspired by the Bernie Sanders campaign, Mike ran for the Kansas House of Representatives in 2016 and 2020, as the Democratic candidate for the 47th District. He campaigned from an old pickup emblazoned with colorful banners, on an agenda of strengthening rural economies. He also spent some years as a private detective in NE Kansas, which he greatly enjoyed and had a natural talent for His expansive network of friendships bore testament to the warmth of his character and his ability to connect with people.

A commemorative gathering will be announced to celebrate a life lived with purpose, passion, and unwavering dedication to the causes he held dear, and to honor the legacy of a remarkable individual whose spirit will endure in our hearts. barnettfamilyfh.com