Walter Woodrow "Woody" Madden
Obituaries
Daily Sentinel page 3D - August 30, 2020
Walter Woodrow
Madden
Julyl 5, 1939 - August 17, 2020
Walter Woodrow Madden, of
Spring, Texas, passed away on
Monday, August 17, 2020.
Woody was born to Otis and
Mary A. Madden on July 5,
1939, in Hotchkiss, Colorado.
Most of Woody’s childhood was
spent in Delta, where his father
ran the Independent Lumber Co.
and served as mayor. When Woody was 14, the family moved to
Grand Junction where he graduated from high school in 1957. He
earned a B.A. Degree in Political Science from the University of
Denver in 1961. He then enlisted in the United States Navy and
served as an Officer on the USS Richard B. Anderson (DD-786)
during the Vietnam War.
In 1964, Woody married LaLarnie Singleton and they had two
daughters. LaLarnie died of lung cancer in 1992. Two years after
her passing, Woody married Mary Anna Sullivan. They made
their home in Spring, Texas, and both continued working for
ExxonMobil. In 2000, after 34 years, Woody retired and he and
Mary Anna began traveling the world. They also enjoyed attending
school reunions in Delta and Grand Junction, and his annual Navy
reunion, but were especially fond of time with family.
Early in his retirement Woody was diagnosed with Parkinson’s
disease, but continued the activities he enjoyed. As an active member
at John Wesley United Methodist Church, Woody developed a
support group for those with Parkinson’s.
He taught graduate level public relations courses at the University
of Houston and served actively in a number of local and national
organizations. He loved sports and was an avid golfer.
Woody is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Mary Anna;
daughters, LaLarnie “Cassie” (George) Neitzey, and Erin Collins;
grandchildren, Patrick (Hannah) Neitzey, Harper Neitzey, Skylar
Collins, and Delaney Collins; great-grandchild, Nolan Alexander
Ray; sister, Bonnye (Ken) White; brother, Philip (Jackie) Madden,
and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents; sister, Vera; brother, Otis
Jr., and his first wife, LaLarnie.
Celebration of life services for Woody Madden will be held for
family and friends in Houston, Texas on November 28, and in
Golden, Colorado in the summer of 2021.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation
or any Parkinson’s organization of your choice. More details about
Woody’s life are available in a more extensive obituary on line at
kleinfh.com or at www.houstonchronicle.com
