Obituary of Raymond McFadden

Col. Raymond I. "Jack" McFadden, USA (Ret.) Col. Raymond Iszard "Jack" McFadden, USA (Ret.) died July 16, 2010 at his home in Plantation, Florida following complications from a head injury. Born July 24, 1923 at Ft. Monroe, Virginia to William Carlton McFadden and Clara Raymond Iszard, Jack spent his early years in Philadelphia, PA. His later youth was spent in locations around the United States and overseas, including lengthy stays in Panama and the Philippines. After graduating as valedictorian at Allen Academy (Texas), Jack followed in the footsteps of four generations of family members attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, earning his BS in 1945. He earned an MS in engineering from Ohio State University in 1951 and completed coursework for his doctorate in physics at Purdue University in 1965. His tours of duty involved assignments in Europe, Asia, and throughout the United States, including teaching engineering at West Point. During his career, Jack was involved in the early development of the laser and played a major role in drone aircraft applications. Among his numerous military citations are multiple Legion of Merit medals, multiple Army Commendation Medals, National Defense Service Medal and Medal for Humane Action. Retiring after thirty years of military service, Col McFadden worked as a technical engineering consultant at Booz, Allen and Hamilton, Computer Science Corporation, and the BDM Corporation. He later formed his own consulting business in the Washington, DC area. Prior to moving to Florida in 2007, he lived in Reston, Virginia for many years. Jack lived a life full of wonderful experiences. In addition to traveling throughout the world, his interests included sailing, tennis, golf, polo, bridge, and studying. He imparted his passion for learning and seeking experiences to his children. An entertaining conversationalist, Jack was known for his quirky sense of humor and agile mind. Jack quietly supported others in need and was especially devoted to the White Lily Orphanage during his time in Korea. A spiritual man of faith, he was most recently a communicant at St. John's Episcopal Church, Hollywood, FL. Jack is survived by his three children: daughter, Mary Ellen "Midge" and husband James Kelley of Dover, NH; son, William Raymond McFadden and wife, Shirley, of Prince Edward Island, Canada; and, daughter, Barbara Anne and husband Dr. Richard Dodge of Hollywood, FL. He is also survived by a half-sister, Margaret McFadden Springer and husband William of Salt Lake City, Utah. Jack leaves fourteen grandchildren: Heather (Kelley) Belson of North Andover, MA; Scott Kelley of Boston, MA; Corin, Jesse, Eli (Smyth), Will, Elizabeth, Bryde (MacLean), Ferne, Sarah, Rose and Shannon McFadden, all of Canada; Kelley (Dodge) Shomaker of North Miami Beach, FL; and Nathan Dodge of Hollywood, FL. In addition, he leaves 8 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves a stepdaughter, Susan Davis and husband Ron of Eggharbor, NJ and a stepson, Paul Smith and wife Susan of Miramar Beach, FL. In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy Roberts McFadden, second wife, Susan Bizzell Smith McFadden, stepmother Pauline Sheppard McFadden, stepfather George Wilcox McIver, half-brothers William and Robert McIver, and half-sisters Anstiss and Judith McIver. Arrangements are under the care of Adams-Green Funeral Home, Herndon, VA. At a later date, services and interment with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. Contributions are welcomed in memory of Col. Jack McFadden to: Lt. Jay Smith Memorial Scholarship Foundation, First Command Educational Foundation, 1 First Comm Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76109.