Kenneth R. Madison, Sr., MSgt USAF (Ret)
March 22, 1948 ~ October 8, 2025
Ken Madison, Sr., age 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1948 to John and Opal Madison. He was the youngest of four children.
Ken enlisted in the Air Force in September 1967. He went to Amarillo AFB, Texas, for basic training. His first duty station was Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, and worked in the 821st Supply Squadron. In November 1970, he got married to Nancy. Kenny Jr. was born in August 1971.
In October of 1971, Ken and his family moved to Chanute AFB, Illinois. Then Ken was assigned to Korat Royal Thai Air Base in Thailand for a year working in the Base Supply Squadron.
From December 1973 through August 1981, Ken was stationed at Offutt AFB being assigned to the 3902 Supply Squadron. He was the NCOIC of Receiving. During this time, he also worked in Delivery and Bench Stock Services.
In March 1978, Ken graduated from NCO Leadership School at March AFB, California. In April 1979, Ken cross-trained into Dormitory Management and was assigned to the 3902 Security Police Squadron. His job consisted of room assignments, supplies, supervising the cleaning of rooms, holding daily inspections of rooms and common areas, inside and outside.
During these years, Ken and Nancy welcomed three more boys, Tony in October 1974, Ricky in August 1976, and Timmy in June 1978.
In August 1981, a new assignment found Ken and Family moving to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at K. I. Sawyer AFB. In the 410th Munitions Maintenance Squadron, Ken’s responsibilities were to assist the First Sergeant in all dormitory management procedures. In May 1983, Ken transferred to the 410th Services Squadron. He was the NCOIC of Base Billeting.
In August 1983, Ken and Nancy’s daughter, Christy Jo, was born. From December 1986 to March 1988, Ken was stationed with the 39th Combat Support Squadron in Incirlik, Turkey where part of his job consisted of being the NCOIC of Mortuary Affairs and the Search and Recovery Team Chief.
In April 1988, Ken and his family moved from K. I. Sawyer to Bolling AFB, Washington, D. C. He was the Dormitory Superintendent, being responsible for all occupancy, maintenance and projects of two NCO dorms, and the Air Force’s only 9-story Airman’s dorm. He was also the liaison for the Honor Guard personnel.
During Ken’s military career, he received many Certificates of Training in Supervisory Management, Billeting, Custodial, Leadership, and Prime Rib Contingency.
Ken, Nancy, and family returned to Offutt and the Bellevue area in June 1990. He retired as a Master Sergeant on September 1, 1990 with 23 years of service to his country. Ken went on to work for Bellevue Public Schools as a custodian at Bellevue East High School and Two Springs Elementary School. Ken retired from the Bellevue school district after 21 years.
He spent his retirement tending to his garden which produced enough vegetables to feed family, friends, and neighbors including the local wildlife. Ken’s biggest passion was fishing and attending Bass Pro Shop’s Member Nights. He enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren, and he told the best fish stories, where the fish always got bigger by the time he got home.
Ken also spent many hours at the Bellevue Senior Center each week. Ken, also known as Pops, could often be found working in the garage or tending to yard work; his dog, Jewel, never far from his side. Pops was a great storyteller and had a way of bringing a smile to everyone’s face. He was a one of a kind guy that would do anything for you. Ken was always singing and humming to himself even though he couldn’t carry a tune in any one of his many 5 gallon buckets!
Preceded in death by his father John Madison; mother Opal Wozniak; siblings Phyllis, Bill & Jack; son PFC Timothy J. Madison.
Ken is survived by his wife of 54 years Nancy; children Ken Madison, Jr. (Michele), Tony Madison (Donna), Rick Madison, Christy Coy (Justin); grandchildren Alexis Starke (Nate), Hannah Madison, Andrew Madison (Abbey), Hunter Madison (Payton), Colton Madison, Hailee Madison, Jonathan Madison, Michael Madison, Timmy Coy, Vinny Coy; six great grandchildren.
Visitation: Thursday, October 16, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., Bellevue Memorial Chapel.
To view a live broadcast of the Vigil Service, please click the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/kenneth-r-madison-sr-cws4ancj1ihxwvkjikfj
Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, October 17, 10:00 a.m., Our Lady of Peace, (Capehart Chapel), 2500 Capehart Road, Bellevue 68123.
To view a live broadcast of the Mass, please click the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/kenneth-r-madison-sr-ret9os8uqwdp52niscek
Interment: Bellevue Cemetery
Military Honors: Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard
Memorials: Bellevue Senior Center / www.bellevueseniorcitizencenter.com or Bellevue Together / www.bellevuetogether.com
6 Comments
I am very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed very much the time that I spent with him and your faily.
Tony, Rick and the entire Madison Family, My condolences to each of you. May the Lord wrap his arms around Kenneth and each of you in your time of need. Prayers for all of you.
My deepest sympathies to my sister Nancy & the whole family for your loss. I’ve known Ken for 50 years. I loved , cared, respected & was thankful that Ken was part of our family. I will miss him. May the Lord Bless Ken & welcome him into Heaven.
Rest in Peace Ken
It was so sad to hear of Ken’s passing. I can see the love his family had for him by his obituary, and I can confirm his love for his family by conversation I had with him during his time at East HS. For me I will always remember his smile, laugh, and sense of humor. I was happy for him to get his own building, but sad as our conversations became less frequent. Prayer for the Madison family in their loss.
My sincere condolences to all of Ken’s family. Ken was a larger than life guy who, I’m sure, has left great memories for all of you. Having worked with Ken there is no doubt about his love for his family and he was always excited to see his family grow. Marriages and births gave him more bragging rights. And he wasn’t afraid to brag. Nancy, you were always at the top of his list of most important people. Keep all the good memories. G fishing every once in a while. Plant a garden of love and remember a super man!
Christy, Justin, Christy’s mum, family and friends. I’m very sorry for all your loss. My love and thoughts are with you all. Love, Susan D Williams your British friend ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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