Obituary of Thomas Edward McFadden

Thomas "Tom" Edward McFadden died unexpectedly in Parker, Arizona on September 6 at the age of 74. Tom is survived by his mother, Marie McFadden of San Clemente, CA; wife, Delores "Dee" McFadden of Lake Havasu, AZ; children, Marty McFadden of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Torry McFadden of Upland, CA; sister Phyllis Hammon of San Clemente, CA. He is preceded in death by his father, Earl McFadden of Ontario, CA. Tom is also survived by four grandchildren: Mariah McFadden, Justin McFadden, Megan McFadden, and Melanie McFadden all of Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Tom was born on August 24, 1943 in Upland, CA to Earl and Marie McFadden. He graduated from Chaffey High School in 1961 and from LaVerne College in 1966 with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and a Minor in English. He married Dee Wilson on July 30, 1966. Tom began his career as an English Teacher and baseball coach at Montclair High School in 1967. He was the Montclair varsity baseball coach from 1973 to 1999. In the 26 years he led the baseball program at Montclair, his teams delivered 365 wins, 5 league titles, and 20 CIF playoff berths. Tom's greatest legacy was his positive impact on hundreds of players, students, and assistant coaches over the years. He retired from coaching in 2000 as one of the winningest high school baseball coaches in Southern California. In 2002, Tom retired from Montclair High School with 35 years of service. Shortly after, Tom and Dee sold their California home and moved to Lake Havasu, Arizona. Tom loved the outdoors especially boating, fishing, and hunting dove and quail. He lived for hunting season. He enjoyed boating on Lake Havasu entertaining family and friends. Tom was a dedicated sports fan of baseball, football, and basketball. Out of all sports teams, he bled cardinal and gold for the USC Trojans. Tom was a 50's and 60's music almanac. He could name that tune, artist, and tell a story about the band after hearing just the intro to a song. He was affectionally known as "Pops" to his grandchildren. They were always spoiled with a big waffle breakfast when they visited Lake Havasu. Tom was always the life of the party and often the joker in most situations. He was an amazing story teller, even when others would hear the same story multiple times. Tom lived a blessed life and always went out of his way to help friends and family in need. More than anything in life, he loved his wife Dee with all his heart and soul. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 pm Saturday, September 23 at St. Anthony Church (2110 North San Antonio, Upland CA). There will be a reception immediately following at the American Legion (310 W Emporia St, Ontario CA). There will be separate services and reception in Lake Havasu, AZ at a later date to be announced. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card to the family, go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.