Remembering Lou McFadden, Noted Ohio Milk Bottle Collector

Lou and Sue McFadden

Sue Mcfadden has shared the sad news of the passing of her beloved husband Lou.

"The last month has seemed an unbelievable blur. My husband and best friend died this evening after such a fast decline in his health it is hard to imagine. Lou had dementia that worsened after a fall in August, and tonight he is free of the confusion of that horrible illness. The last several days were sweet days to spend together and Lou was able to spend his last day very peacefully. Rest in peace in God's love, sweetie."

The Findlay Bottle Club sends it's deepest condolences to Sue, as well as to Sue and Lou's family and friends. A sad loss to all that knew Lou, and to the milk bottle hobby. He will be missed, and long remembered.

Obituary for Louis B. McFadden

Louis B. McFadden, 75, of Winesburg, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2013 following a period of declining health.

He was born on December 14, 1937 in Massillon to the late Robert and Janice McFadden. He was a graduate of Orrville High School, and was proud to say he was a Marine, serving from 1956 until 1958. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother, Bruce.

Lou is survived by his wife, Suzanne, whom he married on December 20, 1984; his brother, Robert (Barbara) McFadden of Barnard, VT; sister-in-law, Lois Cox of Cincinnati; 2 step-children, Blake (Cindy) Sacha of Gilbert, AZ and Cammie (Bob) Edgar of Stevensville, MT; 3 grandchildren, Katie and Andrew Sacha and Mitch Edgar; numerous nephews and nieces, great nephews and great nieces; special friends since childhood in Orrville, Dave and Mary Lee Maiwurm; and special friends from Winesburg, Bob and Esther Beechy.

Lou grew up in Orrville and lived most of his adult life in Winesburg. He loved farming, living on and farming a small farm outside of Winesburg for a number of years. He worked as a Fieldman for 4 dairies over a period of 43 years – starting work as a young man at Orrville Milk Company, then Lawson Dairy, followed by Superior Dairy, and retiring from Reiter Dairy in 1999. He loved Dixieland Jazz, and played the drums for enjoyment. 

He had a passion for collecting antique milk bottles and was very proud of his milk bottle collection, numbering about 3,500 bottles from the state of Ohio. Lou’s bottles, procured over the past 30 years, were widely recognized in the state and beyond as a unique and unusual collection. Lou was the author of the book “Ohio’s Dairies” written and published in 2009, giving him much pleasure. 

Following Lou’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held in Winesburg on Saturday, November 16, at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Reformed Church with Pastor Brent Easton officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church. 
[Map/directions link] 

Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton is handling the arrangements. A memorial website has been created by the funeral home and may be accessed at the Spidell Funeral Home website where you may share a memory or sign the guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, Suzanne requests memorial contributions be made to Zion Reformed Church, P.O. Box 33, Winesburg, OH 44690.
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When the McFadden's book, Ohio's Dairies, was published, they received alot of press coverage.

Read some of the articles :

• Columbus Dispatch article 
• Farm and Dairy's interview
• Farm Show magazine 
• Country Living magazine

Lou McFadden holds the most expensive bottle in his milk bottle collection, a bottle from Snow's Dairy in Killbuck, Ohio that cost him $280. 

 Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007 in Winesburg, Ohio. 

(Karen Schiely/Akron Beacon Journal)  

See more photos here 

A thank you note from Sue McFadden:

"Dear Marianne, You cannot imagine my tears, smiles, and appreciation when I read the post that you sent.  The Findlay show was absolutely Lou’s favorite...and his considered each of you his friends!!  Thanks so much for the tribute that you posted for him...I can’t tell you how much it meant to me.  Love to you, Sue"

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Findlay Antique Bottle Club
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