Darryl Arthur Madison

Darryl Arthur Madison was born May 4, 1943 in Rockford, Illinois to the late Arthur and Ollie Ruth (Gupton) Madison. He was the first born of three sons. Being born in a Christian home, he accepted the Lord at an early age and attended Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church where his grandfather was the Associate Pastor.

Darryl received his formal education in the public school and was a high school hero at East State as a running back fondly being remembered as “Crazy Legs Madison”. He received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Air Force. While serving he was a Jet Engine Mechanic, receiving many accommodations and certificates. Upon completion he went on to further his education by attending Southern Illinois University followed by Long Island University receiving his Master of Professional Studies. During his studies he became a proud member if the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity which he constantly displayed with each smile. Reflecting on his educational training, Darryl took a position as Hospital Administrator at Rikers Island Hospital. He showed some of his talents as you well know as a proficient communicator, debater and was a spokesman for the black student organization groups.

Not being tied to one position his other occupations were…a postal worker, DJ, co-owner of Chicago nightclub and a retired production engineer at General Motors. After retirement, he was a grounds keeper for the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department, Bootleg photographer and videographer. Some of Darryl’s hobbies included gardening, being a world traveler with his traveling companions where many happy memories were shared with Mike and Shelia Smith along with Ronnie and Mae Bond. He was an amusement park thrill seeker, a lover of music ranging from Reggae, Jazz, R&B and Hip Hop. With a generous heart he played the role as “Santa Claus” for hospitals, churches, youth centers and made personal house calls not from a sleigh, but from a little red Corvette. Darryl was a part of the Corvette Club in Fort Wayne and a loyal member of the Par-Tee Golf Club. He loved golfing and Tiger Woods. He was an adventurer and loved nature, sports of all kind, the History Channel buff and die-hard CSI and Law and Order crime show fan. Darryl loved cooking and was a top-notch grill master “LOL”.

He was a devoted family man and enjoyed spending time with family. He had strong affiliations with AA where he gained many meaningful relationships.

After moving to Fort Wayne, he united with Mount Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Mike Nicholson. He grew spiritually and served as an Usher. He also attended faithfully Gomez Temple A.M.E. Church with his wife Paulette where he later joined. Darryl remained active as a prayer warrior and helped with the Children’s Ministry.

On Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the age of 77, Darryl took his last steps on Earth and his first step into Eternity being ten days after his mother’s recent passing on October 7, 2020.

He leaves to cherish his memory to his loving and devoted wife, Min. Paulette Madison; three children, Darryl Cal Gordy Madison of Fort Wayne; Uoni Rashawnda Madison of Collingdale, Philadelphia and Darl Akien Madison of Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania all born to the union with Hannah Ferguson-Madison; stepchildren, Elgien (Cassandra) Richardson, Tyra (Jeffrey) Watson and Charlotte Richardson all of Fort Wayne; 12 grandchildren, Terance, Teraca, Trevon, Elijah, Brice, Ian, Eternity, Jahru, Jonah, Caleb, Aurora, MaKayla and Favor; a great-granddaughter, Boston; a special aunt, Pricilla “Little Bit” Melendez; two brothers, Calvin Madison of Chicago, Illinois, Gordon (Shirley) Madison of Wheaton, Illinois; as a brother, Adolf Williams; and a special grandma, Evelyn Williams; special cousins, Danielle & Brian.

Preceding him also in death are his grandsons, Cameron Richardson and Benjamin McKinny Frederick and granddaughter, Char’lea Richardson.

Darryl will be missed dearly as a special uncle by his nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service 1:00pm Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020 at D.O. McCombs Funeral Home Lakeside Park. Funeral Service will be Livestreamed via the Funeral Home's Facebook Page. Calling with social distancing and wearing a mask is required beginning 11:00AM – 12:45pm with Omega Psi Phi Memorial Service to follow.

Entombment in Concordia Gardens.