Robert Louis "Bob" Madden

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 nine 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, Mont., then serving as the lead horse wrangler at the children's camp Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott, Ariz. 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, 5-7 p.m., and will hold a service of worship and celebration on Thursday, July 20 at 10 a.m., both at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, 650 Central Landing Blvd., Conway, Ark. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to www.SamaritansPurse.org.