William Dale Maddex, Sr.

William “Dale” Maddex, Sr. 74, of New Franklin, MO, passed away August 22, 2023, at his home.

Dale was born to William “Bill” Maddex and Mildred Louise (O’Bryan) Maddex on September 18, 1948, in Cooper County. He is one of four siblings whose childhood stories began with the family home located at what is now known as Franklin Island Access. Though he stopped attending formal school at a young age it did not stop him from successfully obtaining his GED later in life,1995, holding supervisory roles in his places of employment including Derailed Commodity, Boben Manufactory, and MiTek.

Later utilizing his strong work ethic, he took on entrepreneurship by solo logging. Dale could be considered a polymath, gaining knowledge in a variety of subjects throughout his lifetime from horsemanship, coon hound training and hunting, beagle breeding and training, and rabbit hunting, fishing, trot lining, gardening, farming, self-proclaimed (and taught) country vet, game fowl enthusiast, and so much more.

Most of all he was a Dad, Papo or Papaw, depending on which generation grandchild, brother, cousin, and loyal friend. He was most proud of his children Kimberly, Cynthia “Cindy”, and William “Dale”, Jr. who he was blessed with from his first marriage in 1966. Then Kathi and bonus daughter Sara who he was blessed with in his second marriage in 1991. He was then given the title, Papo or Papaw, which he held to the highest of standards to 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. 

Dale built his home on land inherited from his own dad, which he had no idea the impact and importance that home would hold in so many lives. Family, friends, and even strangers were welcomed with Dale’s memorable smile, gifted storytelling, cold glass of tea from a mason jar, and the best home cooking because that was his love language. For a lot of us he was “our person” and he will be greatly missed for the rest of our earthly days.

Dale is survived by his children, Kimberly Ann Maddex-Riley of Boonville, Cynthia Renee Wade of New Franklin, William Dale Maddex, Jr. of Boonville, Kathi Leah Maddex of Fayette, bonus daughter Sara Gentry of Carrolton, and Daniel Dwayne Doyle (Alyssa) of Tipton; sister, Priscilla “JoAnn” Quigley (Gus) of Odessa and Linda Green (Roger) of Florida; separated but friend in marriage, Lori Lea Maddex of New Franklin; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren. 

Dale was proceeded in death by his parents William Maddex and Mildred (O’Bryan) Maddex; brother, Eldon “Pete” Garrison; aunt, Julia Maddex-Wassman; cousin, Alby Wassman; and more he is reunited with again.

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