of Vilonia, AR
May 22, 1933 - July 15, 2017
Robert Louis "Bob" Madden, 84, passed into the presence of his Lord on July 15, 2017. He was born on May 22, 1933 to Willard and Mary Madden in Olney, Illinois.
After his mother's tragic death when he was 9 years old, his father married Elva Hill, also Bob's schoolteacher, who then raised him and his younger brothers, Richard "Dick" Madden and Frederick "Fred" Madden.
He is survived by loving spouse of 62 years, JoAnne Gillingham Madden, sons Kelly (Heather) Madden and Greg (Robyn) Madden, daughter Julie Madden (David) Litke, six grandchildren, one great grandchild, and brother Fred.
Bob graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelors in Agriculture. He received a Master of Science from South Dakota State University, and a Master of Education from Montana State University. He served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He managed a cattle ranch, taught vocational agriculture, served as a high school principal and superintendent, and finally pioneered special education programs throughout Arkansas with the state's Department of Education, primarily preparing special needs children vocationally for participation in the working world. After retirement he pursued full time his lifelong avocations of western horsemanship, mule packing, camping and other outdoor pursuits, volunteering for the U.S. Forest Service as a mule packer in Nye, MT, then serving as the lead horse wrangler at the children's camp Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott, AZ. He was a craftsman in metal, leather, and wood, especially in service of these outdoor ventures. He came to faith in Christ as a young adult, beginning a lifelong pursuit of authentic Christianity, was always active in worship and church programs, and a fan of gospel music. He often participated in the spiritual formation of young people. He was an omnivorous reader, a purveyor of cowboy lore and practices, storytelling, square-dancing, good humor and conversation.
The family will receive visitation Wednesday, July 19, 5:00-7:00 pm, and will hold a service of worship and celebration on Thursday, July 20 at 10:00 am, both at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, 650 Central Landing Blvd, Conway, AR.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to www.SamaritansPurse.org.
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11 Condolence(s)
Michael Sowder
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Sorry for your loss. Letting go is never easy. Yet knowing he's healed and then home brings joy and comfort. My God give you peace and comfort in the midst of the storm.
Kim
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Bob was such wonderful man. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Darlene Conner
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
JoAnn and family,
So sorry to hear of Mr. Maddens passing. He was a very kind man. He will be missed. Prayers for the family.
Darlene Conner
Andrea
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
You all are in my thoughts and prayers as you gather to both celebrate Bob's life and mourn your loss. May Abba meet you in tender ways.
Ona
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
My heart hurts with yours. Thank you so much for sharing the video; brings back memories. Do cherish those precious memories. Thinking of you so often, and prayers going up. Love you all.
Dixie Stephens
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Aunt JoAnne and family,I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I didn't get to spend a lot of time with Uncle Bob, I have lots of fond memories of him and family being together. He will always be in my heart as you all are. My love and prayers are with you all. Love,Dixie
Chris, Iennifer and Will
Monday, July 17, 2017
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will be thinking of you and your family.
Bob and Laurel Gilge
Monday, July 17, 2017
Dear JoAnne and family,
Bob was so special and we know you will miss him. May fond memories of him bring you comfort. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. ~ Bob and Laurel
Glenn and Kay Vincent
Monday, July 17, 2017
JoAnne and family, I will always cherish the times we had in Montana!! What wonderful friendships we made!! You are all in our prayers. I am so thankful that God allowed our paths to cross!
Steve Nissen
Monday, July 17, 2017
Though sad, I will always hear Bob' s laugh when I think of him, and that makes me smile. I'm glad I got know you those summers at FPC.
Peace to JoAnne and family
Jerry and Fran Nichols
Monday, July 17, 2017
Good memories of our vivsit in
Nye MT