James Richard McFadden, 81, of Frederick, Md., died May 9, 2005, surrounded by family members at Homewood Retirement Center, Frederick. Born June 16, 1923 in Alexandria, he was the son of the late Rev. James Clayton McFadden and Mary Alena Entwistle McFadden. His father was a Baptist minister who served in Barnesville, Hereford and Rehobeth, Md.
After graduating from Alexandria's George Washington High School in 1941, McFadden worked as a ticket agent with the Richmond, Fredricksburg and Potomac (RF&P) Railroad — now part of CSX Transportation — at Union Station in Alexandria. During World War II he helped tens of thousands of U.S. military personnel reach their training sites and visit home on leave before shipping out overseas for their assignments.
In 1960, McFadden earned a degree in accountancy from Benjamin Franklin University in Washington, D.C., where he graduated with honors. Not long thereafter, he was promoted to a position in the accounting department at RF & P Headquarters in Richmond. He worked there until his retirement in 1987 after 43 years of service with the RF&P.
The proudest day of Richard McFadden's life was Sept. 14, 1943, when he wed Doris C. Allen of Alexandria. He and his wife had three children — Michael of Lanham Md., Judith of Frederick, Md. and Nancy of Springfield. He and his wife were married for 61 years.
Next to his family, music was one of McFadden's greatest passions in life. An avid barbershop quartet singer and a "natural bass," he was a member of the Alexandria Harmonizers. He sang in choirs, choruses and regularly took part in other worship activities at the First Baptist Church of Alexandria, Bon Air Baptist Church of Richmond and during his retirement years, First Baptist Church of Frederick. He was a Deacon, choir member and led the Senior Adult Music Department.
He is survived by his children, his sister, Nancy McFadden Plunkett and her husband Ray F. Plunkett of Alexandria; three grandchildren, Danielle Braucher Bailey and husband Doug of Silver Spring; Christopher Braucher of Daytona Beach, Fla.; Jonathan Braucher of Baltimore; a great-grandson, Dakota Oswald-Braucher of Daytona Beach, and son-in-law, John Richards.
A celebration of Richard McFadden's life was held May 12 at First Baptist Church, 217 Dill Ave., Frederick. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, the Homewood Benevolent Fund or Hospice of Frederick County. Arrangements were by Stauffer Funeral Home.
<sh>James Henry Beasley
<bt>James Henry Beasley, 88, of Fairfax, died on May 21, 2005, at Commonwealth Care Center. Born Feb. 24, 1917, was preceded in death by his sister, Lillie Ora McLane (died July 1995) and three brothers all deceased.
He is survived by one daughter, Martha Sue Huxton, in Barnwell, S.C., two grandchildren, and one great grandchild; his niece, Mary Frances Dawson; and nephew, Dr. Henry Earl McLane, Jr. Burial of ashes will be at Mount Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria at a later date.
<sh>Donald Wayne Wright, Jr.
<bt> Donald Wayne Wright, Jr., 42 of Alexandria died Monday, May 9, 2005. He was an employee of DOT Child Development Center in Washington, D.C. for eight years. He was an avid music lover, loved to cook and work with flowers. He loved to work with children and was a friend to all.
Surviving are his parents, Wayne and Janice Wright of Routville, brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Lisa Wright of Blue Ridge, sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and Scott Metheny of Roanoke; special niece, Megan Methn, Ann C. Ann B. and Jan; also are special aunts, uncles and cousins. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 554, Roanoke Va. 24003-0554.