Ronald Madison Obituary

Ronald "Ronnie" Dean Madison, 83, Lake Village, passed away on Oct. 12, 2025, after a brief but difficult battle with cancer.

Born on Oct. 2, 1942, to Meddie and Madeline Madison, Ronnie lived a life full of hard work, humor, and love - the kind that left an impression on everyone he met. A proud graduate of Morocco High School's Class of 1961, Ronnie looked forward each year to Alumni Weekend and reconnecting with classmates. After a short stint at Ford, the family farm- and his dad - called him home, and he answered. He went on to run Ronnie Madison Excavating for more than 40 years. Whether on his land or behind the wheel of heavy equipment, Ronnie was happiest surrounded by crops, cows, cats, and anyone willing to lend a hand or share a laugh. Later in life, he found great joy working side by side with his good buddy (and son-in-law) Lyle on the family farm.

A lifelong Union Operator and proud member of the American Legion Post 375 in Lake Village, Ronnie was the unofficial "Mayor" of Lake Village - the guy everyone knew and could count on. If there was a community need, fundraiser, or neighbor in trouble, you could bet he'd show up - wallet open and jokes ready.

Ronnie's "coffee crew" - Bill, Mallie, Don, and a rotating cast of characters – shared countless mornings solving the world's problems one cup at a time. Beneath all the teasing and laughter, he was deeply sensitive; losing family and friends weighed heavily on his heart. In recent years, he welcomed the newest "compound" additions, Scotty and Traci, with open arms… and probably a prank or two.

His sense of humor was legendary (and occasionally appropriate). If you ever found a potato in your shoe, a wine cooler in your front seat, or a "mystery" addition to your dinner plate that just happened to match your outfit, you knew you'd made it into his inner circle. His nicknames for loved ones - "Old Buddy", "Buttface," "Maggot," and "Miser," among others - were badges of honor. Ronnie mastered the art of the shoulder tap, the surprise shopping-cart addition, and the perfectly timed side comment that made everyone laugh when they shouldn't.

When he wasn't working or cracking jokes, Ronnie could be found cheering on his grandkids, attending North Newton High School football games, or yelling at the Chicago Bears from his recliner. He loved music (especially "I'm Too Sexy," "Strokin'," and "Mony Mony"), dancing with Mary, laughing, eating and porch sitting with Pat and Dale and Jim and Corinne (and yes, there are stories!), and celebrating holidays that filled the house with noise and love. He enjoyed auctions, antique farm equipment, weekends at Lake Shafer, reading, and even watching bowling on TV - because, as he'd say, "why not?"

Ronnie met the love of his life, Mary, and they shared over 35 wonderful years together - though everyone agrees it wasn't nearly enough. When Ronnie asked Mary's kids for permission to marry her, their response said it all: "It's about time!" From then on, it was clear to everyone that Ronnie and Mary were simply one.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Madison; his children, Susan (Talon) Klipp, Thomas (Angela) Madison, Mary Madeline Madison, Johnny Madison, Bethany (Lyle) Busboom, Jessica Wynn, and Christopher (Tara) Payne; and his grandchildren, Phoebe, June, Macy, Samantha, Summer, Spencer, Lilyana, Luci, Devon, and Cammie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Meddie and Madeline Madison, and his son, Mark.

Ronnie was the kind of man who believed cheese belonged on apple pie, salt and pepper belonged on watermelon, and a shot of something strong could "put hair on your chest - or lead in your pencil." He made every room brighter, every meal louder, and every moment funnier.

Cremation rites have been entrusted to Sheets Funeral Home in Lowell.

Per his wishes, there will be no formal funeral ("Don't get all mushy," he'd say), but a Celebration of Life will be held on Nov. 2 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Lake Village Community Center (Old Firehouse) - his beloved "Village." Family and friends are invited to gather, tell stories, and celebrate the good times.