Wendell Madison

That’s my job, that’s what I do. 

Everything I do is because of you to keep you safe with me. 

That’s my job, you see. 

— song lyric from Conway Twitty

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wendell Madison on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at the age of 89, from a broken heart. Wendell was an amazing father to his children and gallant protector of his wife of 68 years. His personality and sense of humor, which he formulated to navigate life’s challenges, made him a loved icon in the Moses Lake community. Anybody could sit and talk about anything with him. The unmistakable sound of his ever-teaching anecdotal voice followed by his hearty laughter will forever be missed. 

The baby of the family, Wendell began his life on March 30, 1936, in Carryville, Arkansas. Wendell spent his early childhood growing up on a cotton farm with his parents, Ercria and Alex Madison, with his siblings Lucille, Willard, Opal, Ruby and Sue living in homes close by. 

Wendell joined the Navy in 1953. As hull technician, his hard working personality allowed him to thrive and assist in maintaining the ship while at dock in Everett. During Fleet Week 1956, his charming personality led him to meet the love of his life, Demitrula Roppas. They married on Jan. 23, 1957, shortly before he went back aboard ship. 

In October of 1958 Demitrula and Wendell welcomed the first of five children. After Wendell Madison completed 20 years in service to the Navy he found a second career at Boeing. In his free time, Wendell took in the outdoors as a part of him. He shared this love of the world around him with his family by packing them up in the old Ford to go hunting or fishing, head out to the forest to chop up some firewood, or just simply getting out of the city to a relative's house and take the chance to breathe in some good ol’ country air. Wendell’s favorite saying for young people that extended far past his great- grandchildren was, “best thing for these kids is to get them off the concrete!” Wendell Madison had a penchant for farm life. In fact, he farmed and raised animals in Moses Lake all the way until the season ended just before his passing. 

Wendell is survived by his children Wendell Jr., Tamara, James, David and Jonathan, and his sister Sue Cole. He was preceded in death by his wife, Demitrula, his brother Willard and his sisters Lucille, Opal and Ruby.