Larry Wayne Madden, 78 years of age, entered Heaven’s Gates on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at his home in Joplin, Missouri.

Larry was born March 19, 1943 in Picher, Oklahoma to the late Jessie Lee and Dorothy (Hodges) Madden. He was the second of three children. Larry had an older sister, Judy (Madden) and her late husband, Jack Heatherly. He also had a younger sister, Brenda (Madden) and her husband, Ed Onstott. Larry attended Picher School District and graduated in 1961. 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 Associates Degree in Electronics.

Larry met Carolyn Sue (Barr) Madden, the love of his life, in high school. He later went on to marry her on August 23, 1963 in Picher, Oklahoma. They just celebrated 58 years of marriage this August. They started their life in Picher and after a short 3 years moved to Baxter Springs, Kansas 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, Oklahoma. 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 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 on 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, Missouri. Sisters: Judy Heatherly of Quapaw, Oklahoma. Brenda and brother in law, Ed Onstott of Lamar, Missouri. His Children: Missy and son in law, Tim Swob of Joplin, Missouri. Scott and daughter in law Stacy Madden of Carl Junction, Missouri. His Grandchildren: Andrew and Sarah Swob of Joplin, Missouri. Shelby Madden of Baxter Springs, Kansas. Colby Swob of Baxter Springs, Kansas. Chelsey Madden and Fiance Brandon Johnson of Riverton, Kansas. Lane Madden of Carl Junction, Missouri. Great Grandchildren: Aubrey Bradley of Joplin, Missouri.

The family wants to thank every one for their outpour of love, prayers and support through this time. Flowers are welcome at the day of service. In lieu of monetary donations, the family asks you for continued prayers, but to also show an act of kindness and lend a hand just as Larry would have done.

The service will be held at House of Prayer in Riverton, Kansas on Saturday, September 11, 2021. Visitation starting at 1:00PM and the Celebration of Life at 2:00PM.

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