Robert Boyd McFadden, Sr.

McFADDEN, Robert Boyd Sr. ? Of Swartz Creek, age 77, died Thursday, July 17, 2014 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Cremation has taken place.

Visitation will be held at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Friday, July 25, 2014 from 2p.m.- 8 p.m.

Funeral service will be held at Swartz Creek United Methodist Church, 7400 Miller Road at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2014.

Robert was born in Steele, Missouri to the parents of Ruby and Clem McFadden on October 10, 1936. His family moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1947. After graduating high school he enlisted in the Marines, did his basic training at San Diego, California. Robert was assigned to the USS Philippine Sea Carrier.

In April, 1960 he joined the Benton Harbor Police Force. While serving as a patrolman he was awarded numerous commendations.

He joined the Flint Police Department in April 1965, was promoted to Sergeant in 1977 and Lieutenant in 1981.

During this period of time he was assigned to the Genesee County Prosecuting Attorney?s Office (Consumer Fraud Division and Special Task Force) along with Sid Baker for a 5 year period.

Robert was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Bureau, served on the Sexual Assault Squad, where over 500 cases were solved. He was also assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Squad prior to his promotion to shift commander. As a Lieutenant in 1981 he was assigned to the nationally acclaimed Neighborhood Foot Patrol, where he served over the unit as Provisional Deputy Chief. He restructured the program with the help of civic minded individuals which resulted in a renewal of the Foot Patrol millage.

In 1979 his investigative skills led to the conviction of the five Avenger Motorcycle Gang members on rape charges.

His academic credentials include; an Associate Degree in Law Enforcement at Mott Community College in 1968, Michigan State Bachelor of Science Degree in 1970, the FBI National Academy in Quantico VA in 1982, Michigan State Master of Science Degree in 1989, and attended the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.


He taught at the Flint Police Academy for over 30 years, and served as lecturer for Genesee County Prosecutors Law Enforcement training from 1971-1990.

In July of 1970 he and Miles White received a 6 week scholarship from Michigan State to study at the famed British Police Agency, Scotland Yard at the University of London.

Robert was an Adjunct Professor at Mott Community College teaching Criminal Justice for over 41 years. During this period of time he has touched many students lives using his work experiences and his philosophy of life. In 1991 he was nominated as teacher of the year.

Other jobs include; Director of Security for Hamady Brothers from 1981-1992, park ranger for Genesee County in the 70?s and security for the IMA Sports Arena.

Robert became a ?Spartan for life? and held season tickets to their football games.
He was an avid reader, a certified diver, and the Flint Power Squadron treasurer for two years. He loved sailing his 28 foot sailboat ?Mac-A-Tack II?.

He is survived by his loving wife, Peggye, of 53 years; two children, Robert Jr. (Julie) and Sean (Collene) of Swartz Creek; five grandchildren, Robert III, at Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Reiley, Taylor, Hunter and Sydney McFadden of Swartz Creek; his sister, Dolly (Bob) Brown of Kentwood, MI; special nephews, Jeffrey (Katy) Brown of St. Joe, MI, Christopher (Marisha) Brown of Byron Center, MI; many nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made to the Food Pantry of the United Methodist Church of Swartz Creek or the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.