Ronald Keith Madden

A memorial ceremony celebrating the life of R. Keith Madden will be held 2 PM Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the Pilgrim-Rock Masonic Lodge/Tulsa Scottish Rite in Tulsa. (View the service here https://youtu.be/NsalFkME0JE) Keith passed away early Sunday morning, February 7, 2021 at his home in Owasso. On Valentine’s Day, he would have been 70 years old.

Born February 14, 1951 in Beaumont, Texas, Keith was the eldest child of Russell C. and Katie Bonita (Beard) Madden. His father’s career as a salesman moved their family to several Texas communities while Keith was growing up. He graduated from Houston’s Bellaire High School with the Class of 1969.

Keith briefly attended Texas A&M but considered himself an “Aggie” at heart for the rest of his life. He completed his BA in 1973 at the University of Texas at Arlington where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He was introduced to Carol Sue Emerson through mutual friends and they would marry on March 24, 1972 in Arlington (anniversary 2021 would have marked 49 wonderful wedded years). They welcomed a daughter, Amanda, while living in Shreveport, and then a son, Matt, while living in Minden, Louisiana.

Keith pursued a career in the appliance and home electronics industry, both on the wholesale and retail sides of the business. Keith developed his heart of service early after joining boy scouts. He continued to foster his service for others in Key Club, Jaycees and ultimately as a highly regarded and distinguished member of Oklahoma Freemasonry. He served as the Executive Secretary for the Tulsa Scottish Rite for 11 years and earned the 33 Degree Inspector General Honorary in the Scottish Rite Valley of Tulsa in 2009. Keith did not limit himself to these organizations but was on several boards and worked with children through Junior Achievement. He was a involved member of Boston Avenue United Methodist Church in Tulsa where he volunteered his time and talents. In retirement, he was a substitute teacher for Owasso Public Schools, where he had an impact on, not only the students, but the teachers too and was a highly regarded and sought after substitute!

Keith was an avid reader, especially regarding the Civil War and religions. He was knowledgeable about many topics and could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel valued.

Keith was a product of hard work and philosophy of life. Above all, Keith was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Keith was able to take advantage of the principles of Masonry to learn and adopt into his life and therefore Sue’s, the principles which have made their lives richer; the kind of richness that is not measured in coin. Amanda was the “apple of his eye” (and always laughed by her saying “I’m the apple in your eye”) and he continually supported her dreams and endeavors. He lovingly called Matthew, T-boy. Keith was able to impart strength of character, perseverance and love to Matt. As his brother-in-law Steve has written, “I understand now that your strength was centered in your love for Matt and your need to be there for Sue and Amanda and us all”. As “Pop-Pop”, Keith had a special bond with his grandchildren and his “Donald Duck” voice will live on with his grandsons Travis and Henry, who are actively working on perfecting the craft! Emerson enjoyed trying to outsmart Pop-Pop at games. Ruby and Pop-Pop shared great hugs and laughter. The grandchildren looked forward to the Pop-Pop days where they would go to the park or explore a local train exhibit and just hang out.

Surviving family members include his wife, Carol Sue Madden; his daughter, Amanda DeDonder and husband, Matt; and his beloved grandchildren, Emerson 9, Travis 7, Henry 5, and Ruby 2. Also, a brother Mike Madden, wife Beverly of McKinney and sister Kathleen Grimes of Shreveport as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws and out-laws. His son, Matthew, preceded him in death in 1988.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Transitional Living Centers (Lindsay House), Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, and/or the Tulsa Scottish Rite C&E Foundation.

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