Bert Joseph McFadden, 76, El Dorado Springs, journeyed from this life to begin eternal life with his Heavenly Father on Oct. 4, 2009. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Mary Lou McFadden; three children – son, Lonnie J. McFadden and wife, Cindy – Lamar; daughter, Lerri Burchett, and husband, Travis Burchett - El Dorado Springs; and daughter, Pam Beard, and husband, Rick Beard - Yates Center, KS. Bert is also survived by seven grandchildren: Emily Bennet and husband - Ron Bennett, Chris McFadden, Lizzie Biezugbe, Amber Strauch and husband - Kurt Strauch, Haley Williams, Gloria Greenstreet and husband - Jason Greenstreet, Seth Williams and wife - Emily and Jesse Beard; and seven great-grandchildren: Chase Bennett, Haley Bennett, Kiera Jo Strauch, Addy Williams, Aden Williams, Sawyer Williams, Dayton Williams and Wyatt Greenstreet.
Bert was born to ranch parents, Robert T. and Jeannette E. McFadden, in Broken Bow, NE, on Dec. 1, 1932. He attended high school in Lexington, NE, where he met his future wife and high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Beardslee. They were united in marriage in June of 1952 and operated the family ranch with Bert’s parents in the Nebraska Sandhills until moving to the Ozarks in Missouri in 1958. Here they continued to raise beef cattle and Quarter Horses perpetuating the bloodlines started in the late thirties and early forties by Bob and Bert.
It was Bert’s love of horses and all things horse that was the passion of his life. He was known not only for his vast knowledge of Quarter Horse pedigrees but also for his keen eye for judging a horse’s confirmation and disposition by the way he stood, traveled and handled himself. Bert had an uncompromising belief that a horse first needed to be able to perform, either in the ring or in the pasture. He demanded a horse have a good foundation beginning with the feet and legs, a good mind, stamina to do a full day’s work and if he had eye appeal, (color and confirmation), that was a bonus.
This belief was his code for living his life. Create a good foundation in the Lord Jesus Christ, keep your mind sharp and continue learning, be productive, honest and fruitful in whatever you set your hand to do, be loyal and true to your friends, be of service by helping where help is needed, and if you can look good doing it that is a bonus. Bert served as chairman and director of many boards including El Dorado Springs School Board, Saddle Club, United Methodist Church of Humansville, and the Land-O-Lakes Youth Fair where he was instrumental in the creation and formation of the Fair, as it exists today. As an auctioneer, Bert enjoyed helping the local youth by auctioning the livestock beginning in 1972 until his retirement in 2007. He made guest appearances at the Land O Lakes Youth Fair auction in 2008 and 2009 auctioning off the champion animals at the beginning of the sale.
Above all else Dad you were a devoted husband, caring Father and loving Grandfather. You were always there to hear our concerns and provide your insight and wisdom. You taught us so much and we will greatly miss you.
Services were held Thursday, Oct. 8, at the El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness) with Rev. Joe Trussell officiating. The eulogist was Lonnie McFadden. Soloist Gale Ingle sang How Great Thou Art. Casket bearers were: Chris McFadden, Ronnie Bennett, Seth Williams, Jason Greenstreet, Kurt Strauch and Ryan Larsen. Honorary casketbearers were: Donnie Drake, John Young, Orville Sibley, J.D. Wilson and Clarence Hackleman.
Interment was in El Dorado Spring City Cemetery under direction of Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.
