David Edwin Madison, 81, of Austin, Minnesota, died Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System.

He was born Dec. 17, 1936, in Austin to Edwin and Irene (Crandall) Madison. David attended Whittier Elementary School and graduated from Austin High School in June 1956. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, enlisting in June 1956. Before his honorable discharge in January 1959, David was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California.  He then enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving as a chief electrician’s mate (E7) before retiring in July 1977. During his time with the Coast Guard, David served in Cape May, New Jersey, Peoria, Illinois, St. Paul, Minnesota, Annette Island, Alaska, the Philippines, Vietnam, New York, Key West, Florida, and St. Louis, Missouri. He earned several decorations while he served his country, including the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three battle stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Action Medal, Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Cross of Gallantry), Coast Guard Unit Commendation, and the Cutterman Badge. In December 1959, David met Essie L. Parker at the U.S.O. Club in St. Louis. They were married on Dec. 3, 1960, in Sandoval, Illinois, and lived happily for 48 years. To their union, three children were born. Following his retirement from military service, Dave worked as head of maintenance at Centreville Township Hospital in Centreville, Illinois. He moved back to Austin in June 1990 and worked at ShopKo until December 1998. Dave and Essie were collectors and dealers of antiques and collectibles; he enjoyed collecting equine memorabilia. He was a member of several civic organizations, including the Masonic Lodge, York Rite Bodies, Shriners, Order of the Eastern Star, VFW, Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church. Dave will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

Survivors include his children, Clint (Vickie) Madison of Cahokia, Illinois, Franny Madison and Eddie (CJ) Madison, both of Austin; six grandchildren, Matthew, Kelly Ann, William, Joshua, Gregory and Aaron; 11 great-grandchildren, Maranda, Jeremiah, Zachary, Ethan, Christopher, Landen, Maddux, Charity, Lucas, David, and Wyatt; and sister, Polly (Gene) Jelinek of Austin. David was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Essie.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dennis Tamke officiating. Military honors by VFW Post 1216. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, at Worlein Funeral Home with a masonic service to follow at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service on Sunday at the church. Interment will be at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota. The family prefers donations in memory of David be directed to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55414. Worlein Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Condolences expressed at www.worlein.com.