Wesley Madden

In loving memory of Wesley Edward Madden, 74, who passed away April 30, 2001, of cancer. He leaves behind a loving family and many friends. Born in Fresno, he moved to the Los Angeles area with a family of nine. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and was on his own at the age of 12. Wes entered the Navy at age 16 and served his country during World War II. He finished high school and went to college while working full-time. He had many jobs before becoming a State Farm Insurance agent. He decided to bring his family to the High Desert in 1962, and was one of the first State Farm Insurance agents in the area, and continued in that capacity until he retired July 31, 2000, after 42 years. He was most active in the community in the '60s and '70s. He sat on many boards and was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, the Elks, and a participant and past president of the Shrine organization. He was a recipient of the prestigious Hiram award. He was preceded in death by his wife Alta Madden, and leaves behind his beloved wife Marianne, son James Madden; daughter Jan and husband David Mander, grandson and namesake John-Wesley Mander, daughters Gayle Desby, Kay Cleveland and Joy Sanchez, and seven grandchildren. He enjoyed his life to the fullest and loved to visit Las Vegas. He was a loving husband and beloved father and grandfather. He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends. Graveside services to celebrate Wes Madden's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Victor Valley Mortuary, 15609 Eleventh St. in Victorville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Community Hospice of Victor Valley, 16192 Siskiyou Road, Suite 4, Apple Valley 92307. Victor Valley Mortuary is handling arrangements.