ELLINWOOD — Billy Wayne Madden, 98, passed away at Brookdale Senior Living in Great Bend, Kan. on Feb. 17, 2025. The youngest of five children he was born in rural Ellinwood, Kan. on Mar. 2, 1926 to parents Carl Sr. and Hazel (Smith) Madden. Bill was a lifetime resident of Barton and Rice Counties where he worked as a farmer and stockman. He married Wanda Scheufler at First Baptist Church, Ellinwood on Sept. 7, 1949.

Bill was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Ellinwood. He enjoyed collecting John Deere memorabilia, hunting, and growing watermelons which he shared with friends and neighbors. He was always accompanied by his four-legged  faithful companion Pete.

Survivors include his wife of 75 years, Wanda Madden, Great Bend, Kan.; children Pam Hendricks (Kerry), Great Bend, Kan. and Tamara Madden, Hutchinson, Kan.; grandchildren Rick Hendricks, Kevin Hendricks(Abby), Thomas W. Madden (Elizabeth), Julie Boeckman (Matt), Breiane Madden, Tyler Young; 15 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by siblings, Carl Madden Jr., Bette Kennedy, Dorothy Davis, Martha Marshall; son, Thomas T. Madden; grandson David Madden; infant great-grandchild, Isaiah Madden. 

Funeral service will take place 1:30 p.m., Sat., Feb. 22 at First Baptist Church south of Ellinwood. Interment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery, Ellinwood. Visitation will take place 12-6 p.m., Fri., Feb. 21 at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood with family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m. Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church or Heritage Senior Center, in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel

P.O. Box 246

Ellinwood, KS 67526

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 20, 2025