Leslie McFadden

Leslie "Les" McFadden, 64, of Jefferson City, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at home. He was born on August 5, 1954, in Jefferson City, Missouri, the son of Howard and Theresa (Gallagher) McFadden. He was united in marriage to Irma Buschjost on October 20, 1984 in St. Thomas, Missouri. Les attended St. Stanislaus grade school in Wardsville, then went on to Helias, before transferring to the newly completed Blair Oaks high school from which he graduated in 1972. He worked at Chesebrough-Ponds in his first years of work, then attended Linn Technical College where he received training in heavy equipment operation. His training prepared him for jobs including operating a drag line on a levee in southeastern Missouri, earth moving projects in western Missouri, and the construction industry in Ruidoso, New Mexico. In 1978, he returned to Missouri where he began work for the Missouri Pacific Railroad (later the Union Pacific Railroad). In his 39-year career with the railroad he worked his way up from track work to overseeing safety for a large geographic region stretching from Chicago to Arkansas. He was called upon to manage a number of dangerous and significant derailings. After retiring in 2015, Les consulted for RailPros, and for Nooter Construction Company. Les was very active in the St. Stanislaus parish. He served as an altar boy in grade school, and in recent years participated in the parish council and Knights of Columbus. He also volunteered frequently in parish activities, and was a beloved and kind presence in the congregation. Les purchased his childhood home and devoted many hours to tending to the home and 40-acre parcel. He stewarded the home and land, and was proud of the beauty and the expansive view of the Osage River valley. He recently took an interest in pheasant hunting and archery. He loved wildlife, arrowhead hunting, dancing, and entertaining. He had a wide circle of loving family and friends, and he loved to share a laugh with them. He never met a stranger and had an uncanny ability to make an immediate connection with anyone. He was genuinely interested in others, and made people feel welcome and comfortable in all situations. Les possessed a great sense of humor which he put to good use in his extracurricular activities. In high school, he was in a summer softball league known as "The Headhunters." It is doubtful they ever won a game. Recently, he joined a pheasant hunting crew and they called themselves "The World's Worst Hunters." Most of all, Les loved his wife Irma whom he called his best friend, and his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed, and he left this world too soon. He is survived by his mother: Theresa McFadden of Jefferson City; wife: Irma; four children: James "Cory" McFadden of Ft. Drum, New York; Adam McFadden of Holts Summit; Angela (Casey) Smith of Jefferson City; Erica (Matt) Veit of Jefferson City; five grandchildren: Neal, Vivian, Ian, Marshall, and Elodie; siblings: Greg (Marji) McFadden of Glendale, Arizona; Denise (Ron) Suttles of Oklahoma City; Kevin (Rachel) McFadden of Columbus, Ohio; Randy McFadden of London, England; Barb (Tom Rocklin) McFadden of Iowa City; Michele (Maurice Manring) McFadden of Columbus, Ohio; Kirk McFadden of Jamestown, Missouri; Susie McFadden of Dallas, Texas; two brothers-in-law: Arthur Buschjost (Cindy) of St. Thomas, Tom Kliegel of St. Thomas; four sisters-in-law: Mary Alice Cook of Henley, Gerri Rackers (Richard) of Wardsville, Barbara Campbell (Jim) of Russellville, and Arleen Long (Jim) of Fulton. He was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard L. McFadden; father-in-law: Jerome Buschjost; mother-in-law: Dorothy Buschjost; brothers-in-law: Rod Allen, Harold Buschjost, Rocky Cook; and sister-in-law: Patricia Kliegel. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church with Fr. Mike Coleman officiating. Interment will immediately follow at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be made to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.