Nick Madden Jr.

Nick Madden Jr. was born on February 19, 1943 in Grayson Louisiana to the union of Nick Madden Sr. and Tanaia Wells-Madden. Both his mother and father preceded him in death.

At the age of six, Nick’s mother passed away and he and his siblings were sent to live with various family members. Nick learned at an early age the importance of the family unit. Because the family unit, was so important to him during his formative years. At 18, Nick seized the opportunity to better his life and moved to Chicago. Upon arrival, Nick worked in various occupations…. With stops at Lake City Laundry, the United States Postal Service and finally United Parcel Service. While at Lake City Laundry, a young lady caught his eye (Erma J. Golden) and the two were married in 1966. Once the two discovered they shared the same birthdate/year, they knew they were destined for each other. Nick and Erma enjoyed 53 years of marriage until Erma’s death in 2019.

Nick served in the United States Army and completed tours in Vietnam. Upon returning to the States, he remained active in the National Guard until 1982. He would later become known affectionately as “Sarge”.

Nick began his career with the United Parcel Service delivering packages and then worked his way to become a Feeder Driver and assumed the C.B. radio handle, Louisiana Swampman. He then shortened it to just, Swampman. He was affectionately known as, “Swampman” or “Swampie”. He retired after 34 years of service.

Nick had a passion for the bible and history which lead to him becoming an adult Sunday School teacher at Hartzell Memorial United Methodist Church. His passionate discussions about the Bible, lead those who participated wanting more of his insights. He was also a Scoutmaster and enjoyed the camping trips. Nick was a music aficionado. He enjoyed all types of music. From Cannonball Adderley….The Rolling Stones….. George Benson…..Jimmy Reed…. Buck Owens….to Beethoven…. He listened to it all.

Nick Madden Jr. was a no-nonsense person…. Salt of The Earth type of guy…..who could weed out foolishness a mile away.

Preceding Nick in death were his wife, Erma J. Madden, brothers: Ray and Steve Madden; sisters: Ethel Hall and Bessie L. Petty; brothers in law: Tom Hall and John H. Petty and sister-in-law, Bettye Madden.

Nick departed this life on January 9, 2025. He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his daughter, Leda Roshelle Madden and son James Lamont Madden; grandson: Joshua Jerrell Andrews; great granddaughter: Taulia Andrews: Sister: Katie Wells of Rockford, IL.; special friends: Harry Scott, Larry Newman, Herman Rattler, and Andy Washington. Nick also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A visitation for Nick will be held Friday, January 17, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453.

A morning visitation will occur Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. A funeral service will follow promptly that morning at 11:00 AM. An interment will occur after the funeral at Oak Hill Cemetery, 11900 Kedzie Ave, Blue Island, IL 60406.