C Lee Madden, Jr

MADDEN, C. Lee Jr. Kalamazoo Lee Madden, age 74, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2007, at his home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Lee was born June 3, 1932 in Coreopolis , Pennsylvania, the only child of Clarence L. and Mildred A. Culbertson Madden. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from Mackenzie High School. After serving four years in the United States Air Force, he returned from college and graduated from Michigan State University. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Margaret Rose Thomson Madden whom he married on June 23rd, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan; his daughter Laurie Madden David Olson of Houston, Texas; his son John Thomson Madden Jody Wirt of San Francisco, California; his close friend and walking partner, Donald Sellin; and his beloved terrier, Tessa, who is a valued and close member of the family. Among Lee?s many interests, was a love of all things related to airplanes. He visited many air museums around the country and was an enthusiastic member of the online simulated flying community. He was a prolific writer , in the process of authorizing a novel and he scheduled annual ?warming? visits to Houston, where he enjoyed working on his book. Family history was important to him, and he spent many hours compiling an extensive Madden family album, dating back to 1887. Attending Scottish festivals was another activity in which he actively participated, enjoying bagpipe music and eating bridies. His long and varied career included working for Willys Jeep, Ford Motor Company, Western Michigan University, heading his own company and several positions with the State of Michigan, where he worked tirelessly to help the poor and disadvantaged community through innovative programs and cutting edge methods. He was a pioneer in the computer industry beginning in the 1950?s, and a man whose ideas were often ahead of his time. He was also an artist with a flair for editorial cartoons that featured clever wit combined with a wicked sense of humor. A memorial service will take place Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 11:00am at St. Luke?s Episcopal Church, Mother Marlene Jacobs, officiating. A luncheon at the church will immediately follow the service. There will be no visitation. Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army.