Nelson F. Madden

Nelson Floyd Madden, age 87, of Osawatomie, Kansas went to be with the Lord on August 22, 2011 with his family by his side at Olathe Medical Center. Nelson was born on July 7, 1924 in rural Coffey County, Kansas. He was the son of Leo Benami and Hazel Marie (Baker) Madden. He grew up in rural Coffey County, Kansas and attended Sunflower Country School. He was united in marriage to Ruth Marie King, the love of his life, on June 28, 1953 at Phillipsburg, Kansas and they were blessed with 58 precious years together. They farmed in Coffey County until 1956, at which time they moved to Osawatomie and opened the Gamble"s Store. Their four children, Joyce, Randy, Rodney, and David all grew up in Osawatomie. Mr. Madden owned and operated the Gamble"s Store, which carried a full line of hardware and appliances, until the early 1970"s when he sold the store. From that time until his retirement in 1990, he was employed as the director of maintenance operations by the Holiday Manor Nursing Home in Osawatomie. After retirement, Mr. Madden returned to his career of choice which was a Polled Hereford cattle rancher. Mr. Madden"s passions in life were his Lord, his family, and his cows. He found himself becoming more of a sports fan when his children and grandchildren were involved. He had a knack for being able to fix just about anything, from washing machines to John Deere Tractors. His quiet meekness and gentle spirit was an inspiration to his family and all who knew him and will remain his legacy. He was a member of the Rock Creek Church of Christ in Ottawa where he was ordained as an elder in 1968. At that time, the church was located at 5th and Cedar in Ottawa. When it became apparent that a larger church building was necessary, Brother Madden was instrumental in the planning and construction of the new building. The Rock Creek Church of Christ, just south of Ottawa on 59 Highway, was completed in 2002. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Elbert Madden, and a sister who died in infancy. He is survived by his wife Ruth of the home; his daughter Joyce (Dr. Ed) Rosales of Salina; three sons Randy (Terri) Madden of rural Rantoul, Rodney (Tanya) Madden of Osawatomie, and David (Leslie) Madden also of Osawatomie; his sister Veota Ross of Topeka; his brother Lloyd Madden of Ottawa; 13 grandchildren Sonia (James) Jordan, Michael (Lauren) Rosales, Joshua (Steffany) Madden, Jesse (Shanna) Madden, Zachary Madden, Lacey (Blake) Draper, Haley, Darbey, Delaney, Drake, Reed, Pierce and Bretley Madden; 3 great grandchildren Jayden, Sayge, and Jenna Madden; many other relatives, church family and friends. Memorial contributions can be made to the Nelson Madden Scholarship Fund. Rock Creek Church of Christ of Ottawa Service: Thursday, August 25, 2011 10:00 AM Visitation: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM