Obituary of Benny Ray Madren

Benny Ray (Ben) Madren, formerly of Marion, IA, passed away peacefully at the Gardens Care and Rehabilitation Center in Kingman, AZ, of February 27, 2015, after a long illness. Ben was born in Perry, IA, on April 1, 1946, Ne Omia and Glen Madren. He moved to Marion with his family in 1961. In September 1963 he married charity decker, Anothey and later divorced. In 2011 Ben and Penny Dorgan were united in a "In God's Hands Only" ceremony at the Praise Chapel Church that they attended in Kingman, AZ. He worked several years for the city of Marion in the Streets Dept. After his service with the city, he began a 27 year career as an "18wheeler" driver and was proud of his perfect driving record with Hawkeye Trucking Co. and Others. Ben was an avid fisherman and he had a wicked sense of humor. He made friends easily. He was involved with the Eagles Club in Kingman, AZ, and set up motorcycle poker runs to aid charities. In the 1970's he partnered with his brother-in-law, Jim, in owning and racing a drag car with ran at drag-strips in Iowa and Illinois. He lived his last 26 years in Kingman, AZ. Surviving Ben are his three daughters, Glenda(Carl) Jones, Donna Gagnon, Leah Madren, and one son, Rob Madren (Alexis), nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren- all of Marion, IA. Two sisters, Dorothy Martin of Altoona, Iowa, and Carole(James) Canavan of Marion, Iowa, and many loving nieces and nephews. Ben was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, and his second wife, Clovis Hawkes Madren in 2009. His body has been cremated and there will be a graveside service and celebration of his life at a later date in Marion, Iowa. A special thanks from the family to Ben's friends at the Eagles Club in Kingman, AZ. Especially to Peggy, Ann, and Penny. A memorial fund for Ben has been established and contributions can be sent to his sister, Carole Canavan at 885 2nd Ave, Marion, IA 52302.