Stephen Joshua McFadden
January 18, 1983 ~ February 4, 2005
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Fletcher ~ Stephen Joshua McFadden, 22, of Southwick Court, Fletcher, died Friday, February 4, 2005.
Stephen Joshua McFadden was born January 18, 1983. Stevie loved animals and the elderly. He was employed by Coats Manufacturing and a member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church.
Stevie was a bright, caring and generous person who enjoyed life. He was always willing to give hugs (they were the biggest and the best). Stevie was the music in our ears and the rock that we broke ourselves on. Our lives are forever touched because of our time with him. Stevie, God bless you and hold you in the palm of his hand. We love you and one day we will all meet again.
Stevie was loved and survived by his parents, Carol and Larry Wilson of Fletcher; two brothers, Joey Baldwin of Fletcher and T.J. Baldwin and his wife Leigh Ann of Raleigh; fiancée, Bethany Lambert of Asheville; maternal grandparents, Tom and Mary DeCarlo of Fletcher; paternal grandmother, Helen Wilson of Mountain Home; aunts and uncles, Guy and Heather DeCarlo, Amy and Lou Zaste, all of Orlando FL., Susan and Steve Lewis of Etowah, and Jim and Shirley Dixon of Goldsboro; numerous cousins.
Mass of Christian burial will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at St. Barnabas Catholic Church with father Roger Arnsparger, deacon Art Kingsley and Reverend James Lamb officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hendersonville.
A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM Tuesday at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road with the family receiving friends following the service until 9:00 P.M.
Memorials may be made to Eliada Home for Children, P.O. Box 16708 Asheville, NC 28806.
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Kevin
I had the pleasure of knowing Stevie in high school…he was always such a fun and friendly person…Everyone who knew him was truly blessed…He was always full of smiles and love for everyone…his energetic loving spirit will not be forgotten…i know someday i’ll see him again up in heaven…my prayers are with his soul and his family and loved ones…
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, family and friends: My deepest sympathy to all of you. As a mother of one of Stevie’s classmates, my heart goes out to all of you. He was richly unique and always optimistic about the future. He was very open about his problems and really believed he could overcome them. I cannot imagine your pain, but please know that others share the grief that you are feeling. My entire family shares your grief at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you and give you comfort at this time.
Our family would just like your family to know that we miss Stevie every day. The one year anniversary of his departure was so sad, but days do not go by without reminders of all the laughter that we shared. We remember him fondly.
Stephen and I dated for about a year back in 2001. He was a great person and although we had our differences in the end I always wished him the best. I was very saddened to hear about his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God bless you during this difficult time.
Dear Carol, Larry, TJ and Joey,
We are so sorry for your loss of Stevie. It is our loss, too. We will always remember Stevie as the fun-loving pre-teenager we met when we moved to South Chase. We believe you can add children to the list of Stevie’s loves. Stevie was eleven then. Paul was only one, and Chris was three, but Stevie enjoyed spending time with them over the next few years. The boys would always laugh and giggle when Stevie was around. They would play games – Stevie especially liked hide and seek – and later on Stevie was the one to beat at Nintendo. He could always think of fun things to do. He made the holidays and seasons brighter. Once he dressed up as Santa on Christmas Eve and visited our house. He was fifteen when we moved. He was interested in football, friends and getting his driver’s license. He was growing up. We thought of him often, but regret now that we weren’t better at keeping in touch. We miss him and will always remember the happy times living next to Stevie. May you find comfort in your family, friends, faith and memories.
Vicky, John, Chris and Paul
Carol,Larry,T.J and Joey We are so sorry for your loss of Stevie. You are in our prayers and I know God will see you thru this. We love you and are there for you if you need us.
Stevie was special. He and Joseph remained friends since Fletcher Elementary. He loved Laura like a sister and loved talking with Barbara. He always said, ‘Yes ma’am or Yes Sir.’? I remember how much fun he, Joseph and I had fishing at Cherokee. Anybody who knows Stevie knows and loves his great laugh along with his great grin and those big hugs. He was a very sweet person.
I coached Stevie in 5th grade basketball. He wanted to play point guard but was always told. ‘You’re a center.’? One game, I called time out, and told Stevie he would play point. As Stevie started to throw the ball in, I said to throw in to Stevie. He said, ‘I get to bring the ball up?’? Man, he was grinning and happy. Everyone was surprised. The other team started backing up. No one had ever seen a point guard that size. I think I had as much fun as Stevie.
I have faith that they need a big point guard with a great laugh and a great grin in heaven. I think their coach will let him bring the ball up court too. May God bless you and your family. Jimmy, Barbara, Laura and Joseph.
My Prayers,
Father Arnsparger
I am very sad about the loss of Stevie. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God bless you.
I am truely sorry about Stevie’s death. I graduated with Stevie and his jokes never stopped. At project graduation Stevie went around posing with everyone and I have that picture in my Senior album. He will truely be missed. Once again I am very sorry for your loss. A special note to Bethany, I know you do not know me but you had a very special fiance’ you were very luck to spend such time with Stevie. I know Stevie and I know he loved you with all of his heart and soul. You all will be in my thoughts & prayers. May God Bless You All.
You and your family are in our prayers, and we are here if you need us. Your neighbors.
Alan, Allison, and Ashlyn Burdette
Dear Larry, Carol, and family,
Our son Dathan and Stevie played ball, and went to school together in the earlier years. We used to laugh, because Dathan was so much smaller than Stevie. He would call him, ‘Little Buddy’. I could write numerous memories of Stevie, but most vivid is his big smile! There was never a dull moment around him and he was always cheerful and wanted everyone else to be happy too.
Our hearts are broken with sadness for you all and we can not begin to comprehend your loss. We are praying daily for peace and understanding for you and for God to keep you in His grasp as you go through the upcoming elements of your lives. May you feel His presence.
Sincerely
Carol, Larry, TJ and Joey,
Matthew 5:4 says, ‘Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted.’ We know your hearts are heavy and we hope that the love, prayers and support of your friends will bring you comfort during this time. Stevie will never be forgotten by anyone who knew him. He was special in so many ways and he had a way of making those around him smile. Our family will always remember him fondly. As you face the days and weeks ahead, may you feel God’s presence in a mighty way. May he bring you the peace and reassurance that comes only from our loving Savior. God bless all of you and we love you .
My dearest Carol:
Remembering our last visit at a Roberson/North ballgame we relived many times together… it is so nice to know that after all these years we are just like yesterday. I remember most of all you talking of ‘your boys’ and how happy you were. Sometimes, much to our dismay…things change in a twinkling of an eye… and all we can say is why? I wish I could just ease the hurt in some way. I will remember you and your family in my prayers. The days and years ahead will be tough… your faith and friends will always be there to help you along. Count on me to be there. My deepest sympathy..
I went to school from elementary through high school with Stevie. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I know he will be missed. I will never forget his efforts in trying to always be a better person and his love for others. He always showed my parents the utmost respect and always sent messages to me on how he was doing after graduation through my dad.
Carol, Larry, Joey and TJ,
We will certainly miss his smiling face bouncing across the street and his always wanting to know what he could do or if we needed any help.
Ted being a heart patient certainly appreciated help with lifting and yard work.
And we can definitely atest to his love of animals! He was very consciencious in caring for our animals while we were out of town for the holidays, making sure he had instructions written down for each dog, kitten and 4 birds. Stevie was in a panic when the kitten got out and was gone for two days. I told him not to worry, if we were meant to have the kntten he would come back.( He came back). Then, Stevie became ill and had to go the hospital and Larry pinch-hitted for him.THANK YOU Larry.
Since we live so close, please know that we will be here for you all.
His shinning spirit will always be with all who knew and loved him.
With deepest sympathy, we will keep
you in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry, I worked with you at Wilsonart several years. Will be praying for you and the family.
Bill Rollins
In the last 6 months Stevie had made a big impact on my life. I think he did in everybody’s life in some way. I worked with stevie and can rember how he would talk to everyone in the plant. Some people who I had never got to know. I know one thing I wish I had a personality like he did. He was a great person and I will miss him dearly. Love Jessica
You are in my prayers. God bless you Stevie.
Alison, Guinn Stevie and I have fond memories of Stevie…..we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers……The Hinmans
We cannot imagine what you must be going through right now, but I can tell you this, Stevie was as full of life and of love than any person I have ever known. He and my sister, Nicole, spent alot of time talking and just being friends. The comfort I have is knowing that as a person who found the Lord, Stevie is more alive now than he ever was on this earth. We are heart broken for you and your great loss. Bethany, I cannot tell you the conversations he and Nicole had and one thing I can say is that he loved you, and thank God that he had someone to stand by him through everything. You are truly in my prayers…..we loved him too! May God be with you all.
We cannot imagine what you must be going through right now, but I can tell you this, Stevie was as full of life and of love than any person I have ever known. He and my sister, Nicole, spent alot of time talking and just being friends. The comfort I have is knowing that as a person who found the Lord, Stevie is more alive now than he ever was on this earth. We are heart broken for you and your great loss. Bethany, I cannot tell you the conversations he and Nicole had and one thing I can say is that he loved you, and thank God that he had someone to stand by him through everything. You are truly in my prayers…..we loved him too! May God be with you all.
,
We bury his heart, but not his love;
We bury his hands, but not his good works,
We bury his mind, but not his dreams.
‘Our friend died at his own battlefield. He was killed in action fighting a civil war. He fought against adversities that were as real to him as his casket is real to us. They were powerful adversaries. They took toll of his energies and endurance. They exhausted the last vestiges of his courage and his strength. At last these adversaries overwhelmed him. And it appeared that he had lost the war. But did he? I see a host of victories that he has won!
‘For one thing – he has won our admiration – because even if he lost the war, we give him credit for his bravery on the battlefield. And we give him credit for the courage and pride and hope that he used as his weapons as long as he could. We shall remember not his death, but his daily victories gained through his kindness and thoughtfulness, through his love for his family and friends… for all things beautiful, lovely and honorable. We shall remember not his last day of defeat, but we shall remember the many days that he was victorious over overwhelming odds. We shall remember not the years we thought he had left, but the intensity with which he lived the years that he had. Only God knows what this child of His suffered in the silent skirmishes that took place in his soul. But our consolation is that God does know, and understands.’
Stevie’s passing is a huge loss to this temporary world we live in and to say that we miss him is only the tip of an iceberg. My wife Sandra, myself and son Zach had moved to the Fletcher area for just a week or so when this big kid showed up in our front yard. It seems he was wearing either a ‘propeller head’ hat or a ‘court jester’s’ hat…he wore them both at some time. It was Stevie, he had walked over from Southchase to see Zach…the new kid in school. Stevie immediately helped Zach make the transition to a new school easier, they were both in the 6th grade. Sandra and I were fortunate enough to take Stevie and Zach to and from school, football practice and track practice often from Middle school on up to when they started riding the bus or driving. Stevie was a stand up comedy act virtually every day. When I would pick those guys up in my old pickup truck, they would jump in as quickly as possible and hide down in the floorboard so no one would see them in my truck…Stevie and Zach huddled in the floorboard laughing their heads off. Stevie always thanked me for the ride home without fail. Just a good guy who had great advice on where to eat and what to order. I used to wonder how it felt to have a football stadium chanting your child’s name. That happened many games over the years, everyone chanting Stevie, Stevie, Stevie and him on the sidelins grinning.He never saw Sandra without giving her a big hug. We saw him at one of his favorite mexican restaurants ‘El Charro’ with Bethany on Monday Jan. 31st. He was so full of joy, enjoying work, proud of Bethany pursuing her master’s at Western and looking forward to their 10/24 wedding date which coincided with our wedding date years ago. We told him to keep us in touch with their plans. He updated us on Joey working at Target and TJ’s new home in the Raleigh area. Our thoughts and prayers have been and will continue to be with Stevie’s family, Bethany and all who mourn Stevie’s passing.
We love you Stevie, Tom, Sandra and Zach Jordan
Dear sweet, funny,adorable, lovable ‘clumpy’ Carol,
I am at a complete loss as to what to say to you except that our hearts go out to you and that you have been in our hearts and minds for the past several weeks. I cannot imagine what you have been experiencing, the loss of a child has to be one of the hardest things a person could bear.
You have been such a good friend to me and kept me smiling for years at PRO when our daily work was anything but fun… I really don’t think I would have lasted without my two Carols! Your bright red curls, huge welcoming smile, and bubbly, cheerful, loving personality makes everyone who’s life you touch feel special.
I know Stevie was just like his mom and his big smile and outgoing personality will certainly be missed.
We love you and hold you and your family in our hearts.
Kimberly and Scott
To the family of Stephen, It is indeed a shock when I heard of my friend’s death. Stephen and I had only met several months ago. We were able to bond, relate to one another in most areas of our lives and one thing I do know is that he was not a person to give up. I pray that you all cherish the relationship which you ;ve shared with him because I do. I have a son who also was able to bond with Stephen, DJ. he is 10 years old.He loved all the times shared with Stephen and still talks about them. May you be richly blessed during this time of bereavement. To Bethany, my co-worker and friend, I love you and may you endure peace throughout your time of sorrow. May your contact with God be even stronger… Love you much… Barbara Jones
Oh, Carol and Larry…we are so very, very sorry. The weight and enormity of this situation must feel as though it exceeds your endurance and wisdom. It would to us. Neither of us know the right words to comfort you. We offer our caring to you.
Carol,
As a believer in God, I have to believe that there is a divine purpose to everything that happens in our lives. Not to say that this makes these kinds of situations we have to endure any less painful. I can only imagine how you and your family are feeling. I do want you to know how sorry I am for the loss of Stevie, and that your family will be in my heart and in my prayers.
With Our Symathy,
Travis and Holly Mintz
Carol, my heart is breaking for you. We were not meant to experience the death of a child. I can only imagine the pain you must be feeling. If there is anything I can do …
Carol, TJ and Mary,
I just learned about this through mom and Vince Indelicato. My heart goes out to all of you and prayers will be with you. We’ll offer a Mass for him here.
Fr. Joe Mack
Carol, I am so very sorry to hear of Stevie’s passing, as are Jimmy, Laura, and Joseph. We have very fond memories of Stevie, and my heart breaks for you, as a mother of a son who was the same age as Stevie and who considered Stevie a good friend. They last saw each other at Christmas time. Please keep your faith and know that Heaven is blessed with another sweet angel named Stevie. My love is with you. Barbara Alexander
We are very saddened by the loss of Steven. He has always been a great friend to my son Shane Nottingham. We have you and the family in our prayers.
I was very saddened to hear the news about Steven. We worked together at one time and he always had the biggest smile on his face.He always talked to me about his deep love for his mom and family.When I think of Steven I will always remember his great zest for life and his great sense of humor.I will keep all of you in my prayers.
I knew Steven from Wal-mart and always loved his smiles. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
It is so heartwrenching to hear of such a loss. Knowing Stevie was such a wonderful thing. I went to school with him and he was always so cheerful and kind. He did give great hugs! He will be missed and never forgotten. And he will live on in all of our hearts and souls. We will see his big smile again in heaven.
I knew Stevie from High School and he was always a funny guy to be around by. His death has truly affected me. My heart goes out to all of you.
Carol,
I wanted to let you know how sadden we are to hear about the loss of Steve. I remember all the overnight stays at our house that he and Jeremy had as young boys. He was always so sweet and you’re right he always give the greatest hugs. Steve had such an outgoinmg personality and his present will surely be missed by many.
I can’t imagine the grief and pain of losing child. I hope you can take comfort in knowing that he is in a better place. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers and if we can do anything don’t hesitate to call upon us.
May God Bless You and Keep You in His Care, Philip, Carla, Jeremy & Nikki
We are so terribly sad for your loss. We have known Stevie since kindergarten. Our deepest sympathies are with you.
Debbie Souther Liner, Jessica Souther Squier and Justin Souther
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol & Larry,
Our family is very deeply touched by this situation. We worked side by side with you and Larry at Wilsonart and you are both such precious and loving people and Brett and Stevie were in school together.
Brett lives in Chapel Hill and sends condolences.
Our prayers are with you both and if there is anything we can do please let us know.
terribly sorry for your loss. he will be missed.
Our hearts and prayers are with you all. May God bring peace and healing back to your hearts and a calm understanding of the the unexplainable.
Dear Friend and ‘Sister’, Your family has been as if it were my own. Your loss is my loss and your problems mine also. I am here for you in any capacity you might need me. My unconditional support and love are with you and my prayers are constant. There are no words to express my feelings. I love you all. Rhonda
May God bless and comfort you now and always.
I did not teach Stevie, but I do remember him clearly. I had several of his friends in my classes. One of them was Sergio Ortiz, who just sent me an instant message from WCU expressing his tremendous sense of loss. We all are diminished by Stevie’s death.
I pray that God will comfort you at this time and continue to strengthen you in the future.
Jeannette Nelson Ballew
Former English Teacher at North Henderson High
Dear Stevie, it seems like only yesterday that you were in my Junior English class. You did well, and you were always kind and respectful of me. May God bless your soul and give you and all of your family peace.
Much Love,
"Ms. Fin"
Larry, Carol & Family,
My condolences on your great loss. God Bless and comfort each of you.
Carol,
There are no words to say that can truly bring you comfort…please know that you, Larry, TJ and Joey have been in my prayers since I learned of your loss. Hold on to your faith and trust in the Lord. God will always bring peace to situations where none can seemingly be found. I love you all.
Dear Carol, Larry, Joey and TJ:
We are so sorry for your lose. Please know that we all loved Stevie very much. You are in our thoughts and constantly in our prayers. Joe, Debra & Megan
Carol, Bethany, TJ, Joey, & Larry,
Your family has been a part of my life for ten years. I am very sorry that you are having to go through this. Carol, what you and Stevie did for Robbie will not be forgotten. Stevie will not be forgotten. You all are in my prayers.
Love,
Jenni and Zach
Im so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Stephen at Ingles a few years ago. He was always the happiest person there and brought a smile to everyones face. We all loved him. I will miss still running into him and getting one of those great hugs you mentioned.
Dear Carol,, Larry and family:
I love you all so much, especially my longtime friend, Carol. I want to make this pain go away; I don’t want it to be true; I pray for understanding. Larry, know that you have many friends who love you and will always be there for you -the way you have been for these precious boys. I have loved Stevie since the day he was born and I will always love and remember him.
I know no words that can really bring comfort to any of you other than to express my deepest sorrow at such a tragic loss. I got to know Stevie through my son Robbie. Stevie always had a big smile and hug for everyone. I will always remember Stevie’s love for life, and I am glad he was such a good friend to Robbie. Carol, my heart breaks for you and I want you to know that I am praying for all of you. God has his arms wrapped tightly around you and will give the strength to make it through this tragic time in your life. If there is anything I can do please let me know.
Stevie, Your well loved and going to be missed. Your ealry departure on such a promising life will impact all. He always wanted to tag along with TJ and myself, and they’d always fight. Well Stevie, your not alone on this journey and we’ll see you oneday. My hearts and prayers go out to the family, I love you all, and may god bless Stevies soul. TJ if you read this I love you man, and I’d love to hear from you.
I remember Stevie from school and he was always full of smiles and good words. We are so sorry to hear about your loss, but know that hope is where Stevie is now, where we will all see him again someday. Our prayers are with your family.
Rio Patterson and Amber Gilliam