Richard J. Madden, SMSgt, USAF, Ret., age 79, of Aviston, passed away Monday, September 23, 2024, at his home. He was born July 26, 1945, in St. Louis, MO, a son of the late Benjamin and Helen, nee Troutman, Madden.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Angela Marie Madden; sisters, Carolyn Braun and Nancy Riley; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Cassie, nee Wray, Ackerman.
Richard leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years, Carol Madden (nee Ackerman) of Aviston, whom he married August 20, 1967 in Augusta, GA; son, Christopher (Tammy) Madden of Trenton; grandchildren, Sean, Emma, and Cael Madden; siblings, Kathie (Richard) Trent, Annette (David) Debourge, and Anna Juelfs, all of Waterloo; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bruce Braun of Shreveport, LA, Michael Riley of Waterloo, Joanne Beck of Powell, TN, and Wanda Ackerman of Powell, TN; and nieces and nephews.
A proud patriot, Richard dedicated 20 years of his life to serving his country in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1984 with the distinguished rank of Senior Master Sergeant at Scott Air Force Base. Following his military career, Richard worked briefly at Boeing before moving to Huntsville, Alabama, where he applied his expertise as a communications operations engineer at NASA. Later, he transitioned into healthcare, working as a medical technician at Sterling Diagnostics.
Richard was a man of many passions, a former member of the American Legion in Dayton, Tennessee, an avid hunter and member of a hunting club in Alabama, and a dedicated community leader as a t-ball coach and Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts leader. His love for the outdoors was unparalleled; he spent countless hours hunting and fishing, finding peace and joy in the wilderness. Above all, his grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he treasured every moment spent with them.
A Celebration of Richard’s Life will be held in Aviston, Illinois, where his memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.
Memorials in honor of Richard may be made to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and will be received by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
