Raydon Madson's Obituary
Raydon Madson
Raydon Madson of Payson, Utah passed through the veil on January 27, 2017 at the age of 87 years.
Raydon was born April 11, 1929 in Payson, Utah to William and Emma Elena Madson. William passed away when Raydon was nine, leaving Emma to raise the children. She relied on the Lord, with her children seeing her example of constant prayer and faith. Raydon remembered that times were sometimes difficult, but they all learned to both work and play hard. He especially loved extended family visits and dinners, and helping on the farm. His love of horses began while working on the farm with his Uncle Ezra’s horse.
Growing up with brothers and sisters, Max, Melba, Betty, Elbert (Eb), Halver and Frank was never boring, and there are too many stories to tell, but they all remained close throughout their lives, and all of the children can testify that those family bonds have continued beyond the second and third generations.
Raydon married Iris Kay Wade in the Salt Lake City temple on September 3, 1954. He graduated from BYU in 1955, and began teaching in Goshen, Utah. He taught school in the Nebo school district for over 30 years; teaching music, band, choir, science and math. He also worked in the summers, teaching summer school—band mostly, and at Hal Shuler’s ranch, where he got to “just be a cowboy” He taught his children, their friends, nieces, nephews and half the neighborhood how to play some sort on instrument, so his legacy lives on with many of them still getting together from time to time to play “long tones” and spirited marches.
Raydon was devoted to his family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, having served a mission to Denmark as a young man, and another mission to Sweden with Iris, and having served in just about any calling imaginable, including Father, Home Teacher, Bishop, Branch President and Mission leader. He loved all people and shared his love and joy of the gospel with all he met. His children loved going with him on Sundays to visit the widows in the area and any others who Raydon knew needed an extra visit or blessing.
Raydon is survived by his wife, Iris, his sister, Melba, and his children: Gary and Lygia Madson, Kayron and Kevin Lewis, Jeannette Gordon, Paula and Charles Heaton, Raydon and Michelle Madson, Jim and Terra Madson, Greg and Heidi Madson, Sandra and Darin Orr, Beverly and Kevin Kraut, Becky Parke, and Dan Madson, along with their families including 40 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren and more-than-I-can-count nieces, nephews, and friends
Among those that Raydon greeted on the other side of the veil include his parents and siblings—Max, Eb, Halver, Betty and Frank, as well as Grandchildren Whitney, Joseph, and Laurie.
Services for Raydon Madson will be held on Wednesday, February 1st at 11:00 at the Payson Mountain View Stake Center 75 South 600 East, Payson, UT. There will be a viewing from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the same location and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. just prior to the funeral on Wednesday.
Burial will be at Payson City Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Raydon?
What’s a lesson you learned from Raydon?
Share a story where Raydon's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Raydon you’ll never forget.
How did Raydon make you smile?
