Ivan graduated Conroe, TX High School Class of 1956 and attended the University of North Texas with a B.S. in Education and continued to Sam Houston State University and graduated with a Master of Education.
He began his career teaching at Aldine High School and taught there for four years. When a position opened at Conroe High School, he returned to his alma mater where he taught Algebra for the next thirty years. He was very appreciated and well loved by his students. Recent Facebook posts by former students describe him as: “made algebra make sense”, “so patient with his students”, “spent extra time with his students”, “courteous and gentlemanly”, “knew how to reach out to his students and make Algebra tolerable”, “we were fortunate to have a teacher like him in our Conroe schools”, “he was a great teacher and made me understand Algebra”, and “he was always helping others”. Ironically, he would at times jokingly refer to himself as “Ivan the Terrible” despite being described by others as patient, generous, warm, kind, and humble.
After retiring, he raised hay and cattle on his ranch and continued to serve faithfully in his church. Ivan was charitable with both his time and his efforts serving those in need with selfless generosity.
He enjoyed activities with the Happy Hearts group at his church, especially competitive games like dominoes and Chicken Foot. He also managed the Copeland Chapel Cemetery Association as treasurer for over fifty years.
He spent his life committed to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He served as a Deacon at Honea Baptist Church. For over 65 years, he served in many roles including Training Union leader, Finance Committee Chairman, Bible Study leader and Song Leader. He continued to be active in church after Honea Baptist Church merged with Hope Church of Montgomery. He took his responsibilities seriously whether he was balancing the budget or teaching young children and had a positive impact on many people throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents Stephen K. and Bessie Madeley, an infant brother, and also his older brother Hulon M. Madeley, just two weeks ago.
Ivan is survived by his nephew Steve Madeley and wife Angie, his niece Cindy Wells and husband Gary and his niece Lynn Higgins and husband Dan.
Ivan is also survived by his great nephews Taylor Madeley, Harrison Higgins and Matthew Volk;great nieces Courtney (Matt) Bowers, Christina (Bryson) McGinnis, Chloe Waits, Emily Higgins, and Savannah Higgins and great-great nieces Evie Bowers, Ellie Bowers, Addie McGinnis, and Riley McGinnis along with a host of other family members and friends.
A visitation for Ivan will be held Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Metcalf Funeral Directors, 1801 E White Oak Terrace, Conroe, Texas. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Metcalf Funeral Directors.
Ivan will be laid to rest in Copeland Chapel Cemetery, Copelan Chapel Road, Montgomery, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Doug Sherber, Bill Hogan, Gregg West, Jerry Mathews, Taylor Madeley and Matthew Volk. Honorary pallbearer will be Vince Yearwood.
Donations may be made to the Copeland Chapel Cemetery; 11294 Leonidas Horton Rd; Conroe, Tx 77304.
