Don Allen Madden Sr.

Don Allen Madden Sr. is survived by his wife, Julia Patricia Madden, his children, Don Allen Madden Jr., (Lisa) Robert Allen Madden, (Elise) Rick Allen Madden, (Karen) his eight grandchildren, Janice Patricia Madden Jordan, Lauren Hannon Madden Pope, John Allen Madden Jr., Don Allen Madden III, Alexandra Madden, Anna Madden Pinar, Robert Allen Madden Jr., Michael Christopher Allen Madden, Robert Wayne Madden, and five great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Arthur and Nettie Mae Madden, his brother Bob Wayne Madden, his son John, and grandson Bowden.

Don Allen Madden Sr. was born on July 3, 1931 in Strong, Arkansas to John Arthur and Nettie Madden. Mr. Madden was an outstanding athlete and lettered all three of his high school years while playing linebacker for his alma mater the, “Hot Springs Trojans” of Hot Springs, Arkansas. After high school, Mr. Madden attended the nationally acclaimed Georgia Military Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon graduating from the academy, Mr. Madden enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country bravely during the Korean War.

Mr. Madden attended The University of Arkansas and graduated in three years with honors with a degree in Finance. Upon graduation Mr. Madden joined his father and brother in their family business in Arkansas. The family formed and operated a chain of building supply and energy stores throughout Arkansas for several years. In 1963 the Maddens decided to enter into the hospitality industry and built and operated their first hotel, Holiday Inn Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Madden became the youngest franchise owner in the Holiday Inn system at 32 years of age. The Madden family subsequently built, acquired, and operated a portfolio of hotels throughout the United States.

An avid sports fans, Madden became extremely involved with two very successful athletic programs, the University of Arkansas, Wild Hogs, during the Frank Boyles era and subsequently Florida State University, Golden Chiefs, during the Bobby Bowden era. Madden’s son John attended and started for the varsity football program at Florida State University. Some of his fondest memories were made during the attendance of his son’s games against many nationally acclaimed football powers.

Madden became very involved in the national politics arena during the 1990’s and served on numerous committees composed of successful businessmen throughout the country. During this time, Madden met and dined with numerous high ranking statesmen and heads of state and was offered a foreign ambassadorship. He was also named the first ambassador of hospitality in the United States.

During the early 2000’s, Madden moved to California and worked with his sons to develop a financial services firm, Trinity Financial Services. With his vast knowledge and experience, Trinity has grown into a very successful firm.

Extremely involved in various community organizations, Mr. Madden served on boards for the Boys Club of America, YMCA, Rotary Club, and several bank boards.

Mr. Madden attended Mariners Church in Newport Beach, California. Madden grew up in the south and was a devout Baptist. He attended Baptist churches in both Arkansas and Florida and was a deacon of Central Baptist Church of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Madden’s faith was the center of his life and he worked hard to instill his faith in his family members.

Madden left a large footprint through his actions and beliefs. Madden touched the lives of many people in a very positive way and he will be missed by them all.

Pallbearers included- Don Allen Madden III, John Allen Madden Jr., Robert Allen Madden Jr., Robert Wayne Madden, Michael Christopher Allen Madden, Chris Ledwidge, and Allen Seay.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, May 26th at 2:30 pm at Pacific View Cemetery in Corona Del Mar, California. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Don Allen Madden Sr.’s life. The Madden family will welcome visitors thirty minutes prior to the service at 2:00 pm. Reverend Eric Herd will officiate the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mariner’s Church “The Beyond Campaign” at 5001 Newport Coast Drive Irvine, CA 92603. www.marinerschurch.org.

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