Darrell Verne McFadden
Darrel Verne McFadden, 90, of Logansport, formerly of Winamac and Crown Point, passed away at 4:55 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 29, at Logansport Memorial Hospital.
He was born to Charles Verne and Mary Kathryn Strong McFadden in Crown Point. He was the third of seven children. He was raised in Crown Point and spent many summers with his great aunt, Dortha Surber, in Star City. While at Crown Point High School, he played basketball and football. In 1944, during the championship football game, Darrell made the longest run of 90 yards. It was one of the proudest moments in his football career. That same season, he successfully kicked 15 of 17 extra points.
Darrell went on from high school to the Merchant Marines, serving from 1944-1947. During his service, he was stationed in Normandy, France, Antwerp, Belgium, Hull, England, and the West Indies. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW in Crown Point.
It was at the old roller rink in Lowell that he met the woman who would become his beloved wife, Jane Hayhurst. They were married on September 14, 1947. Jane went home to be with the Lord in 1994.
Darrell worked most of his life as the supervisor of gas construction for NIPSCO’s gas division. He retired from NIPSCO in 1980.
He was a member of Lake Lodge #155 F&AM in Crown Point and was also a member of the Scottish Rite Shrine. In 1999, Darrell received his Award of Gold. Darrell and Jane were members of the Jaycees, where he served in multiple roles including president and vice president of the region. He was a former Little League, Babe Ruth and Biddy Basketball coach and also a former Cub Scout leader.
In his spare time, Darrell owned horses that he would show in different events. Throughout the years his prized Palomino horse, “Buck,” won many trophies. When retirement came, he dreamt of a simpler life and moved to Winamac. With his wife alongside him, they purchased a small mini farm just north of Winamac and came to raise cows, chickens, sheep and horses. Darrell enjoyed spending mornings with his friends at Good Oil in Winamac.
Darrell later married Pauline Cowles of Kewanna, whom he cared for deeply. They enjoyed traveling, especially visiting Mackinaw Island.
He loved spending time with his grandchildren. During the holidays, they would come and stay with him. Many moments went by singing songs, laughing, playing games, building projects and picking walnuts from the trees in the front yard. He loved to sit in his old rocking chair with grandchildren filling his lap, while watching the Cubs and singing along with Harry Caray to “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” He frequently took the grandkids down to the candy store to buy nickel and dime candies or down to the ball park to get something to eat at the concession stand and watch the little leaguers play ball.
Darrell gave all that he had in order to make the lives of those around him better. Not a day will go by that he won’t be missed by his family and those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Until we meet again.
Darrel is survived by sons: Ric [Shelly] McFadden of Fillmore and Jim [Teresa] McFadden of Knoxville, Tennessee; daughter Lisa [Kenny] Bedocs of Logansport; grandchildren: Jennifer [Scott] Backus, Bryan [Jessica] McFadden, Melissa [Chad] Conwell, Christopher [Kaylee] McFadden, Fawn [Jason] Faulstich, Aaron [Missy] Spanley, Meagan [Roth] Edwards and Kayla [John] Mahmood; great-grandchildren: Tiarra [Darin] Wooldridge, Kiersten, Mary Kathryn and Emma Bousman, Adrianna and Connor McFadden, Ryan and Levi Meyers, Joshua Looker and Kaleb G. Conwell, Adelaide, Caydence, Makynleigh and Kaleb R. McFadden, Lauren Faulstich, Rebecca George, Connor George, Luke Faulstich and Allyson Taylor; great-great-grandson Royce Wooldridge; several nieces and nephews; brother Robert McFadden; and sisters Mary Quigg and Etta Claxton.
He was preceded in death by his parents Kathryn Strong McFadden and Charles Verne McFadden; first wife Jane Hayhurst McFadden; second wife Pauline Cowles McFadden; brother Charles “Bud” McFadden; sister Phyllis Jean McFadden; twin great-grandsons Terrell and Alexander; and great-granddaughter Aubree J. Conwell.
Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. Friday, March 4, at Frain Mortuary. Masonic services were held at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 5, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac, with Pastor Aaron Gross officiating.
Burial took place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at Lowell Memorial Cemetery, Lowell. The American Legion and VFW conducted military graveside services.
Memorial contributions may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.
(Pulaski County Journal – March. 9, 2016)