Roger Lee McFadden's Obituary
Roger McFadden was born May 23, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, to James W Lacey and Virginia Gooden Lacey. Roger’s father worked for the Illinois Central Railroad, and was involved in a bad train wreck in December of 1941. He ultimately passed away due to his injuries when Roger was seven years old. Virginia later married Leonard Harper McFadden, who adopted Roger. Both he and Virginia preceded Roger in death.
Roger attended most of his school years in Kennett, Missouri, enjoying many friends and he would say, grew up during the best of times, during the 50’s and 60’s. He participated in sports and student government.
Roger attended college at Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, graduating with a BSE Degree in 1964. It was there that he met the love of his life, Pat, and they were married August 24, 1964.
Roger’s first venture into the insurance field was as an independent adjuster with General Adjustment Bureau, Inc. After handling claims for seven years, he was offered the manager job for an independent agency in St. Louis, Missouri. While in Missouri, Roger served two years as City Councilman. Seven years later, in 1980, he was hired by C.W. “Chuck” Bovay to join Lanier Upshaw, Inc. in Lakeland, Florida, which became one of the largest insurance agencies in Florida. Roger always felt blessed to live in Lakeland and work with the fine people at Lanier Upshaw, Inc.
Roger always had a sense of humor, and enjoyed making after dinner speeches , and was a great storyteller and joke teller. He was active in Kiwanis and served as president of Citrus Center Kiwanis as well as Lt. Governor of the Florida District. Additionally, he was very active in Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Polk County, serving on the board for seven years, one year as president. He was also Big Brother of the year.
Roger is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pat, of Lakeland, Florida; his brother Rodney (Dona) of Springfield, Missouri; sisters in law, Barbara Hardin (John) of Exeter, Missouri; Caroline Ferguson (Larry) of Springfield, Missouri, Shirley Mitchener (Robert) of Loveland, Colorado; Linda Diamond of Springfield, Missouri; and Kathy Reedy (Tom Ward) of Jackson, Wyoming.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Pat McFadden Athletic Academic Scholarship, c/o Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
What’s your fondest memory of Roger?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roger?
Share a story where Roger's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roger you’ll never forget.
How did Roger make you smile?