IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
Byron McFadden
Per his wishes, no funeral service is planned for Leslie Byron McFadden, 88, Hillsboro, who passed away peacefully March 30, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.
He was born June 16, 1936, on his family’s farm in Riley to John Buel and Grace May (Baker) McFadden.
Byron went to school in a country school then at Keats and Riley schools, graduating from Keats High School in 1954.
He enjoyed playing sports, mainly basketball, and liked to go fishing and hunting. He also attended one semester of vet schooling.
Byron was a farmer / stockman for most of his life. He farmed with his brothers, Gerald and Bruce. The three farmed in Riley, Opie, and Lincolnville.
On Jan. 19, 1980, Byron married Carol Mein in Herington. They were married for 45 years.
After they married, they moved to Vale, Oregon, where Byron continued farming and helping neighbors on their farms.
He then went to work for Amalgamated Sugar Co., making White Satin sugar in the fall and winter months.
In 1991, they sold their farm and moved back to Kansas to be closer to family and friends. They settled in Hillsboro, where Byron went to work for the dairy farmers association.
After the association shut down, Byron went to work in Newton at the Norcraft factory and then moved on to work at Cargill (Horizon Mills), where they made flour.
Byron retired from Horizon Mills in 2011 after 10 years.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; stepsons Larry Mein of Herington, Gerald Mein of Hillsboro, and H. Allen Mein (and wife Dana) of Des Moines; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Byron was preceded in death by his parents; brothers John McFadden (and wife Elizabeth), Richard McFadden (and wife Jessie), Gerald McFadden (and wife Marilyn), and Bruce McFadden; sister Ahola McFadden Hinson; great-nephew Scott; and great-granddaughter Kendall Grace.
Any flowers or donations can be sent to Salem Home, 704 S Ash St, Hillsboro KS 67063.