Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward MageeNews.com a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
Marvin Brian Calder, 86, passed away in his home on Sunday, March 9, 2025 after the most valiant of fights against Parkinson’s disease, with his devoted wife of nearly 61 years, Patricia Walker Calder, by his side.
Born December 19,1938, Brian was the son of Marvin Roscoe Calder and Maude Vanderford Calder of Magee. He was a graduate of Magee High School, Class of 1957. Brian went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. For over 35 years, he dedicated his career to teaching high school biology and science, leaving a lasting impact on countless students before retiring from Magee High School in 1995.
Always searching for additional ways to provide opportunities for fun with his family, he also taught night classes, Driver’s Education, and drove a school bus for the majority of his career. His passion for education was matched by his deep faith and commitment to service.
As a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, he served as a Sunday school teacher, Bible study leader, and choir member. One of the most meaningful experiences of his life was serving on the BMDMI Honduras Mission Team in 1998. This trip left a lasting impression on him and he enjoyed sharing those memories with others. Brian’s appreciation for creativity was evident as a founding member of the Magee Lamplight Theater, a role that perfectly suited his enthusiasm for music and the arts. Additionally, he was an active member of the Simpson County Development Foundation for several years, working to support the growth and success of his community.
A man of many hobbies, Brian was always exploring a newfound interest or learning more about the latest spark of his curiosity. The running joke among the family was that he had a new hobby for every year he was married. He loved fishing and hunting most of all, but through the years, he also dabbled in rock polishing, arrowhead hunting, basket weaving, woodworking, photography, bottle collecting, concrete bird bath pouring, coin collecting and metal detecting.
Brian had a deep love for the outdoors and thoroughly enjoyed camping with his daughters and their friends, often taking them to Roosevelt State Park. As a family, their adventures extended beyond Mississippi, reaching as far as Canada and back down to the shores of Panama City Beach, Florida. He seemed to find the most joy in his hobbies if he could persuade someone to join him in each venture, which reflected the true heart of the teacher he was. More than the hobbies themselves, Brian cherished the connections they fostered. In later years, he mastered the art of crafting CDs of music, bookmarks, cards and labels on his computer. He was happiest when his creations served as gifts to his family, friends, and church members. His love of music was just as eclectic as his list of hobbies, and it was not unusual at all to find him listening to 80s pop, classic country cowboy ballads from the 60s, the many genres of Barbra Streisand or the melodies of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Above all else, his greatest joy was his family. His happiest moments were when everyone was together. It didn’t matter what the reason or occasion might be, he just wanted everyone in the same place at the same time. He was fiercely loved and he returned that love tenfold. His presence will be profoundly missed.
He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Roscoe Calder, his mother Maude Vanderford Calder, his sister Jean Calder Branton, and his granddaughter Bethany Lynn McKee.
Brian is survived by his loving wife Pat, daughters Lynn McKee (Brian) of Summit, MS and Lisa Reed (Clint) of Magee, MS and his sister Charlotte Bickerstaff (David); grandchildren Calder Reed and Emily Reed of Magee, MS and Connor McKee and Tyler McKee of Summit, MS. He is also survived by his dear friend and dedicated chess partner, Donna McWilliams; his cherished student, loyal caregiver, friend and CNA (and sometimes partner in mischief) of the past five years Cassandra “Happy” Franks and his additional precious and loving caregivers: Vera Burkett, Tara Wright, Janis Hayman and Will Harper.
Brian also loved his special RN, Samantha, and looked forward to her visits.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of CenterWell Home Health Magee. The family would like to especially recognize the CenterWell PT department, as well as the compassionate teams at Magee General Hospital and his cherished friends at Simpson General Hospital for their exceptional care and support throughout the final years of his illness.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Christ Fellowship Church from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM. The service will be held immediately following visitation at noon. Rev. Bradley Edwards and Rev. Tony McDonald will be officiating. Internment will follow at Magee City Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Mike Buffington, Ed Wynn Jr., Tony Tanner, Brian McKee, Clint Burke, Calder Reed, Connor McKee and Tyler McKee.
Honorary Pallbearers are Chris Britt PT, Senior Airman Corey Vallejos, Owen McCool, Tate Clayburn, Larry Williamson, Dr. Jimmy Stuard, Edward Parham, Rafe Doss, Eugene Knight, John Carpenter, Rev. Glenn Howell and Charles Coward.
Tutor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements
MageeNews.com is the online news source for Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi
I’m sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I knew him first from church because of his mom and dad but then I had him for biology. He was a very good teacher who appeared to enjoy the education experience! RIP
Love all of you and praying for all of you. Always in my heart. ♥️
I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Caldera’s passing. He taught me in high school and he was one of my favorite teachers. Praying for you all. Donna Walker
Mr. Calder was such a nice man, a great teacher, and a Godly example to his students. Fifty years later, we still talk about the fun we had in his class and what we learned. He inspired me to love Science and school. I did my student teaching under him and his wit and wisdom prepared me well l. My sincerest condolences for his sweet family.
If you ever were in Mr. Calder‘s biology class, you would not forget it. He was a fantastic teacher. He had command of his classroom and his students. He had a very dry, mischievous personality that I will never forget. you always thought he knew something that you didn’t know But out of all the wonderful things and all the wonderful memories we can say about Mr. Calder and we could talk for days I will have to say that my most profound memory that I still think about to this day and I’m 68 years old is when we skipped school and skipped his class and went fishing at a catfish pond And tied the fish up under the hood of one of my compadres truck a.k.a. stole them and proceeded into his class the next morning, thinking we had pulled off the biggest caper that could’ve ever have happened when he had each, and every one of us pulled out of the classroom very calmly as always very mild Low-key and coach Thomas with one of the biggest paddles that was known to mankind, proceeded to literally beat the tar out of us. I do believe our generation had it better than anybody and I know we had fantastic teachers, fantastic administrators, fantastic staff and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. God bless you and your family. Mr. Brian calder. You are truly a great American and fantastic teacher. May you rest in peace !
Mr. Calder was a wonderful man. He was an excellent teacher, and I was always happy when he drove my bus. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
He will be truly missed. He was my favorite teacher in school. I learned so much from him and still carry many of life lessons he taught and instilled in me. He was a great teacher and will be remembered forever by many of his students for the time and dedication he had for us.