Mr. Gene McFadden
December 14, 1939 - November 12, 2015

Gene was born December 14, 1939 to Jesse and Vora Lee Roach McFadden in Hope, Arkansas; he was the fourth of five sons. He attended Hopewell Elementary School where his humble beginnings began. Gene started picking cotton in the fields with his family at a young age. In 1953, the family relocated to Flint, Michigan, where he completed his education at Northern High School and was voted all state in football. Gene attended Hillsdale College on a football Scholarship where he earned Little All American honors in football and went on to be inducted into the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame in 1994 . He received his Bachelor of Science from Hillsdale and later earned a Master’s and Doctorate degree from the University of Michigan. He began his career in education in Flint Mi. In 1961 at the age of 22 he was a teacher, age 24 he was a Community School Director, age 26 Gene was the City of Benton Harbor, MI’s Dir of Community Education. As a result of his outstanding hard work Gene was the youngest Assistant Superintendent of schools in the country in 1966 at the age of 27. Gene was selected “Man of the year” in 1968 by the Twin City Jaycees, this was also the year Ebony magazine voted him one of the nation’s most eligible bachelors, a title he was very proud of. He was named in the1968 edition of Outstanding Young Men of America. In 1969 at the age of 30 he was voted The Most Outstanding Community Educator by the National Community Education Association. He was lured to Indiana by a good friend Cleo Blackburn. His love of community and education in Michigan continued in Indiana. Gene served as the director of both Flanner House and Community Development for the city of Indianapolis. He was a visionary who opened and operated “Big Fellas” Restaurant. Big Fellas was one of the first to incorporate serving fish, chicken, ribs, ice cream as well as the legendary SUPER BIG FELLA BURGER at a time where most restaurants only served burgers and fries. He founded Freight Masters Systems Trucking Company, one of the first minority companies transporting both national and internationally. He was named in 1998 Fortune 500 as an entrepreneur, starting with 1 truck in 1978 to 110 in 1998.He eventually operated over 400 trucks transporting for several companies. Chrysler adopted Gene’s concept of SINGLE SOURCING, with one call he’ll handle every process along the way. A few of his major clients were General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. Today that same concept is used for many other companies. Freight Masters Systems was given the “Pentastar Award” (one of the most prestigious awards given to an automotive carries) by Chrysler Corporation for superior supplier performance in 1987, 1996 and 2000. General Motors recognized Freight Masters Systems as a participant in the 2001Mentored Supplier Program. In 2006 Freight Masters Systems was given the Q1 PREFERRED QUALITY STATUS award from Ford Motors. Gene was ¼ owner of BHMM a minority energy supplier for the new Indianapolis Airport. BHMM received the “New Entrepreneur Award” from the IBCC (Indianapolis Black Chamber of Commerce) in 2006. Gene was a pioneer and paved the way for others. Within his philanthropy he supported small business owners as well as the community. He accepted his calling as a servant using his passion to help others both nationally and internationally. Although he went from picking cotton in the fields of Arkansas to a multi-million dollar entity he was always giving. He built wells in Africa as well as supported the homeless here in the city through Shepherds Pathway Ministries. His philosophy has always been “It’s not my money, its Gods money”. He truly did NOT have limits to his giving. Gene attended several churches throughout the city. At the time of his calling he was a member at Nu Corinthian Baptist Church under the leadership of Terry Webster Sr. To celebrate his life and cherish his memories he leaves behind his wife, Dalene Keno McFadden; two sons, Thurgood Marshall McFadden and Jon Paul McFadden; two step children Philip Keno and Erin Keno; two brothers, Monroe (Gloria) McFadden and Lahroy McFadden of Murfreesboro, TN; one aunt, Viola King of Phoenix, Arizona; four cousins, Ira Roach of Las Vegas, Nevada, Birdie B. McFadden of Flint, Michigan, Georgia Lee Barber and Estelle Cooksey of Dallas, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Debra McFadden of Saginaw, MI and Carolyn McFadden of Florida; many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Rev. Aaron McFadden and Sylvester McFadden. The family of Dr. Gene McFadden, wishes to extend sincere thanks and deep appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy, love, and consideration shown in their time of bereavement.

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