Marvin Kenneth Ricketts, born on May 5, 1972, in Easton, Maryland, to the late Herbert E. Ricketts Sr. and Bettye Foreman, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at Virtua Mount Holly Hospital. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud veteran, and a man whose presence brought warmth and laughter to all who knew him.
Marvin was a graduate of Seaford High School, Class of 1990. Shortly after, he answered the call to serve his country, dedicating 15 honorable years to the United States Army, including 10 years of active duty and 5 years in the reserves. His commitment to service continued in his civilian life as a proud member of the American Legion since 2020 and the Sons of the American Legion since 2024.
Following his military career, Marvin spent 20 years as an independent trucker, a profession that reflected his hardworking spirit and love for the open road. Despite the long hours, he always made time for the people and activities he loved most.
Marvin had a passion for life that showed in everything he did. He was well known for his incredible cooking—especially his famous chili—and his love for BBQing. He enjoyed fishing, playing spades and tunk, eating crabs, and relaxing while watching cartoons. Music was also close to his heart, and he especially enjoyed listening to DMX and Heavy D and the Boyz. Always adventurous, Marvin embraced life with energy, humor, and a spirit that drew people in.
On August 6, 2016, Marvin married the love of his life, Phyllis Trader-Ricketts. Together, they shared 19 beautiful years, including 10 years of marriage, filled with love, partnership, and cherished memories.
He leaves to honor and celebrate his life his beloved wife, Phyllis Trader-Ricketts; his children, Dezyrie Ricketts-Edwards (Christopher) of Germany and Kaeden Ricketts of Atlanta, Georgia; his siblings, Deborah Sowell (Jodie) of Columbus, Ohio, Wayne Foreman (Donna) of Wichita Falls, Texas, Timah Ricketts-West (Forrest), Herbert E. Ricketts, Jr. (Yolanda), and Drew Ricketts, all of Seaford, Delaware; his uncle, William H. Ricketts; his aunts, Rebecca Williams of Battle Creek, Michigan, and Estella Ricketts of Seaford, Delaware; his nephews, Jeremy Ricketts, Ian Ames, and Shawn Sowell, Deric Horace, John Hall; his nieces, Megan Ricketts, Sydney Ricketts, Leshia Gouveia, and Sha’Kendria Foreman; his best friends, Diwan Paskins(Bo), Otas Cephas. Jr., and Trent Ruark; as well as a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, Henry and Rosalie Ricketts and Titus and Inez Foreman his parents-in-law, Phillip and Elsie Trader; and his nephew, Stefan Sowell.
Marvin will be remembered for his strength, his humor, his generosity, and the love he gave so freely. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the memories he created, and the family he cherished so deeply.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 3 from 6 to 8 PM at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 437 North Front Street, Seaford. A second visitation will be held Saturday, April 4 from 11 to Noon at St. John Methodist Church, 300 North Pine Street, Seaford. A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 4 at Noon at St. John United Methodist Church, 300 North Pine Street, Seaford. Interment will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.
