Benny Madren

BENNY MADREN

Marion

Benny Ray "Ben" Madren, formerly of Marion, passed away peacefully at Gardens Care and Rehabilitation Center in Kingman, Ariz., on Feb. 27, 2015, after a long illness.

Ben was born in Perry, Iowa, on April 1, 1946, to NeOmia and Glen Madren. He moved to Marion with his family in 1961. In September 1963, he married Charity Decker; they later were divorced. In 2011, Ben and Penny Dorgan were united in an "In God's Hands Only" ceremony at Praise Chapel Church they attended in Kingman.

He worked several years for the city of Marion in the streets department. After his service with the city, he began a 27-year career as an "18-wheeler" driver and was proud of his perfect driving record with Hawkeye Trucking Co. and others.

Ben was an avid fisherman. He had a wicked sense of humor and made friends easily and everywhere. He was involved with the Eagles Club in Kingman and set up motorcycle poker runs to aid charities. In the 1970s, he partnered with his brother-in-law, Jim, in owning and racing a drag car which ran at Iowa and Illinois dragstrips.

Surviving Ben are his three daughters, Glenda (Carl) Jones, Donna Gagnon and Leah Madren; one son, Rob

(Alexis) Madren; nine grandchildren and five great- grandchildren, all of Marion; two sisters, Dorothy Martin of Altoona and Carole (James) Canavan of Marion; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Ben and Nellie Stevens and Ray and Ada Stevens, formerly of Perry.

His body has been cremated and there will be a graveside service and celebration of his life at a later date.

A special thanks from the family to Ben's friends at the Eagles Club in Kingman, especially to Peggy, Ann and Penny.

A memorial fund for Ben has been established and contributions may be sent to his sister, Carole Canavan, 885 Second Ave., Marion, IA 52302.