Bobby Lee Madon's Obituary
Bobby Lee Madon was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 27, 1929. Bobby went home to be with his Lord and Savior and to be reunited with his wife of 73 years on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Bonnie Madon, two siblings, Hazel Payne and James Madon, and his wife Maxie Madon. He is survived by his son, Mike/(Linda) Madon, daughters, Jackie Madon and Becky/(Tom) Collins; grandchildren, Chris/(Deanna) Madon, Melanie/(David) Steenbergen, Tara/(Reid) Jennings and Brenton/(Jessica) Collins and three great-grandsons, Caden Steenbergen, Carson Jennings and Cooper Jennings, and several nieces and nephews.
Bobby and Maxie were married in Georgia on July 26, 1947, by Bobby’s grandfather, Rev. James Franklin Beaver, as they stood in front of an arch cut into a weeping willow tree. Bobby told the story that the weeping willow tree died, but their marriage lived on. Indeed, it did! They had seventy-three years together, a remarkable lifetime. Mike came along early in their marriage followed two years later by the birth of Jackie Becky then completed their family ten years later.
Bobby started his career in the baking industry greasing pans as a teenager, then quickly advanced into management. He managed bakeries for American Bakeries Company in various locations across the country. His management style reflected his Christian values and integrity, demonstrating that work is important and should be done to the highest standards. With his outgoing personality, he quickly made friends and worked well with employees. He had high expectations, but rewarded a job well done. This skill set was not missed by his employer. He was often sent to bakeries in trouble and in need of management assistance. His knowledge of the baking industry afforded him opportunities to consult for bakeries in Costa Rico and Mexico after retiring. As a self-taught cake decorator, he also made birthday and wedding cakes to the delight of family and friends.
Bobby was a generous, caring person, a man of faith. No matter where they lived, Bobby and Maxie found a church home and actively served the Lord. Bobby was ordained as a deacon at their church in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He continued serving as a deacon in Greensboro, North Carolina; Gladstone, Missouri and Plano, Texas. He was honored to serve as chairman of the deacons in Greensboro and often taught Sunday School while in Gladstone, Missouri. At FBC Plano after the church purchased a bus, Bobby was instrumental in establishing a service to pickup senior adults who needed a ride for Sunday services, Sunshine Singer activities or Friendship Club. Bobby and Maxie served this ministry until he could no longer safely drive the bus. He actively participated with the Texas Baptist Men as a yellow cap. Bobby and a group of FBC Plano men trimmed many trees and did small home repairs for widows and others in need of assistance. He quietly went about serving others by making many hospital visits and helped care for older church members by volunteering to assist with their care as needed.
We are so very thankful for the legacy of faith and service he lived and passed down to his family. “His master replied, well done, good and faithful servant? You have been faithful with a few things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to First Baptist Church of Plano, 3665 President George Bush Freeway, Plano, TX 75075.
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