Larry Wayne Madden, 78, of Baxter Springs, died Thursday, September 2, 2021, at his home in Joplin, Mo.
Born March 19, 1943, in Picher, Okla., Larry was the son of Jessie Lee and Dorothy (Hodges) Madden. He was the second of three children. Larry had an older sister, Judy (Madden) (husband, Jack) Heatherly. He also had a younger sister, Brenda (Madden) (husband, Ed) Onstott.
Larry attended Picher School District. He graduated with the class of 1960. He was very proud to be a Picher Gorilla and was awarded All Conference Guard on the Football Team. Once graduated, Larry went on to attend NEO Junior College where he was in ROTC and received an associate degree in electronics.
Larry met Carolyn Sue (Barr) Madden, the love of his life, in high school. They were united in marriage August 23, 1963 in Picher, Okla. They just celebrated 58 years of marriage in August. They started their life in Picher, Okla. Then moved to Baxter Springs in 1966. Together they raised two children, Melissa and Scott.
Larry spent 15 years as an area maintenance manager for B.F. Goodrich in Miami, Okla. He then joined Empire Electric in 1985 as an electrician at the Asbury Power Plant. In 1990 he moved into the commercial operations area as an electrician, fourth class. Larry stayed in Baxter Springs for the remainder of his career. He was promoted to first class electrician in 1992 and was named Journeyman Electrician in 2002. He retired from Baxter Springs Line Operations March 31, 2007, after more than 21 years with the company. Larry was also involved in Madden Photography with his wife, Sue, for over 20 years. They enjoyed taking pictures of proms, senior portraits, weddings, school dances, photo shoots of their grandchildren for fun and so much more.
Larry enjoyed fishing for anything and everything. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He often attended sporting events of all kinds. He enjoyed working on his lawn. Larry also enjoyed naps. He loved sitting outside with his fly swatter in one hand, a Pepsi in the other and the television on the news channel with just the subtitles. Larry was always a helping hand for family or friends regardless of the task. He could solve any problem.
Larry is survived by his wife, Sue Madden of Joplin, Mo. sisters: Judy Heatherly of Quapaw, Okla. and Brenda and brother-in -law, Ed Onstott of Lamar, Mo.; children Missy and son-in-law, Tim Swob of Joplin, Mo., Scott and daughter-in-law Stacy Madden of Carl Junction, Mo. His grandchildren: Shelby Madden and Colby Swob both of Baxter Springs, Chelsey Madden and fiancée Brandon Johnson both of Riverton, Andrew and Sarah Swob both of Joplin, Mo. and Lane Madden of Carl Junction, Mo. along with great grandchild, Aubrey Bradley of Joplin, Mo. also survive.
The service will be held at House of Prayer in Riverton, Saturday, September 11. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. with the Celebration of Life at 2 p.m.