Ellis H. McFadden

Ellis H. McFadden, 95, of rural Fort Wayne, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Coventry Meadows. Ellis was born on April 23, 1929 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, son to the late Otis A. and Edna V. (Pfeiffer) McFadden. He was a lifelong farmer and very active on the Allen County Soil Conservation Board and Farm Bureau. He also received the prestigious Indiana Master Farmer award. His eagerness to master new technologies in farming along with his incredible work ethic made him extremely successful. He was a member of the Poe Volunteer Fire Department for 75 years holding multiple positions such as Director, President, Vice President and Treasurer. Ellis was one of the original appointed Board Members of the Southwest Fire District in 1987 and served until Dec 2020. He was the longest serving board member. He also held the Fiscal Officer and Board Chairperson positions.

Other groups he has served include the state Fire Marshall team, Red Cross Board, Extension Board and Production Credit Association. His focus, dedication and hard work always ensured the job would get done. Ellis was always there for his friends and neighbors and enjoyed the time he had with them.

He was extremely proud of his family. Surviving are his wife of 76 years, Marilynn Jean (Lehneke) McFadden; daughters, Sharon Lynn McFadden Ray, Rita Ann (Tom) Tilden, Carla Sue DeKoninck, Ellen Norah Moore, and Amy Joan (Louis) Leonardi; grandchildren, Stacey (JC Study) Tilden, Brian (Bethany) Tilden, Michele (Robin) Simerman, Joni (Phil) Horton, Jason (Amanda) Moore, Tyler (Courtney) Leonardi, Carissa (Jonathan) Green, and Greyson Leonardi; 15 great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Verna Keever; and brothers, Donald McFadden and Richard McFadden.

A family gathering will be held Tuesday, May 7, 2024, with burial at Oak Lawn Cemetery.

Family and friends will gather for a memorial visitation on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm, with an IVFA service at 7:00pm at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home, 120 West Mill Street, Ossian, Indiana 46777. Memorial service will be on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 10:30 am with visitation one hour prior at the Funeral Home.

Join us as we come together and honor the life of Ellis McFadden. A light luncheon and refreshments will be served on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Poe Volunteer Fire Station, 3619 E Yoder Road, Poe, IN 46819. We have all felt sadness and grief for Ellis’ passing, but now it’s time for us to celebrate the remarkable life he lived!

Preferred memorials may be made to the Southwest Fire District. Visit www.elzey-patterson-rodak.com to leave condolences.