Francis M. Madden

Francis M. Madden, 65, was interred with full military honors presented by Vandenberg Air Force Base color guard at Lompoc Cemetery, June 27, 2005.

He passed away on June 22 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara.

Fran was born Nov. 15, 1939 in Ware, Mass. to Rose and Francis Madden, who preceded him in death. Raised in Ware, he graduated from Ware High School and received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Fran was a career officer with the U. S. Air Force and retired as a lieutenant colonel from Vandenberg AFB in 1983. He then was employed with Lockheed Aerospace as a technical editor for military contract. He was a member of the Retired Officers Association and Phi Mu Delta Fraternity.

Although a quiet man by nature, family and friends enjoyed his wry sense of humor and Irish wit. His retirement was filled with golf, bowling and gardening.

Fran is survived by his wife, Rita, of 44 years, sons Michael and his wife Leana, William and his wife Judy; his sister, Rosalind Hilton and husband David, their sons, Scott and Mark Jewell.

The family thanks the many who sent prayers and messages. Memorials are suggested to St. Francis High School Development Fund in La Cañada.