He united in Holy Matrimony to Mary Ann Freeman on May 20, 1973. Through this union one child was born.
Ruben was a laborer for many years, starting as young as 10 helping his father farm to provide for the family. One occupation he took pride in was assisting with the construction of the IL/MO bridge on US Highway 57. He retired from Brown Shoe Co where he worked as a fork lift driver. Later in life, Ruben enjoyed outdoor work such as gardening and landscaping.
Ruben was an avid card player, Poker being his favorite game. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He lived for house gatherings, backyard BBQ’s, and family events. Moments he cherished most was spending time with his potna/grandson Malik (Liki Wiki as he affectionately called him)… cooking breakfast together, showing him how to fix his bike, talking about sports and a host of other things. Ruben was charismatic, cool, easy going and debonair with the most infectious smile. He loved making sure others had a good time when he was around. He had a special bond with his nieces, nephews and younger cousins as he was everyone's favorite uncle. He made new friends and left pleasant memories wherever he went. All of his nurses and doctors considered him to be the sweetest person and their favorite patient.
Ruben was affectionately nicknamed Scoob, Ruben Scooben and Scooby Doo by those close to him. He was loved by many and will be truly missed.
He leaves to cherish his legacy his children: Veronica Madison of Atlanta Georgia and Terry Harris of Chicago Illinois; seven sisters, Shirley Thornton and Lenora (Johnny) White of Sikeston, Missouri, Willie Mae Eckles of Vicksburg Mississippi, Valeria Johnson of Rolling Fork Mississippi, Sandra Madison, Leslie Madison, Rose Mary Madison, of Atlanta Georgia, six brothers Willie Earl (Jean) Madison of Sikeston, Missouri, Curtis Lee (Sharonda) Madison, Karlus (Juanita) Madison of Atlanta, Georgia, Bennie Lee Jackson of St. Louis, Missouri, Walter Madison and Sammie Lee Jackson of Rolling Fork Mississippi, three grandsons, one granddaughter, five great grandchildren, his ex-wife Mary Ann and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Ruben was preceded in death by both his parents, two brothers: Leroy Hackett and James Madison, and two sisters: Mary Lee Jackson and Thunshunda Madison.
Friends may call Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 12:00 P. M. until the funeral hour of 1:00 P. M. at First United Methodist Church in Sikeston with Rev. Kenneth King, pastor of Smith Chapel Methodist Church in Sikeston, officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.
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