Steven Y. McFadden

Steve McFadden, a longtime resident of Lexington and Versailles, Kentucky, passed away leaving behind a legacy of service, innovation, education, and devotion to family. A proud graduate of Lexington Catholic High School, Class of 1964, Steve carried the values of hard work, curiosity, and kindness throughout his life.

In 1965, Steve joined the United States Air Force, where he trained in electronics as a Ground Radio Repairman. During his time in the Air Force, he met and married the love of his life, Diane Rutherford, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love and support.

Following his military service, Steve earned an Associate of Science degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Lexington Community College. He went on to build an accomplished 32-year career with Texas Instruments at the Versailles, Kentucky facility. Throughout his career, he served in numerous engineering and leadership roles, including quality, reliability, product design, sustaining engineering, and manufacturing engineering.

After retiring from Texas Instruments, Steve continued doing what he loved most — creating, teaching, and helping others bring ideas to life. As a self-employed consultant, he worked closely with inventors and entrepreneurs, assisting in the development of innovative products. From his laboratory in Versailles, he specialized in prototyping and small production runs. Among his many accomplishments were devices used in medical research marketed by Precision Systems and Instrumentation LLC, as well as the Blinkscan digital capture device marketed by Blink Technologies Inc..

Steve also shared his passion for engineering and education through his part-time teaching role at University of Kentucky, where he served as a lab instructor for Electrical Circuits I in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. He took great pride in mentoring students and inspiring future engineers.

Steve was also a devoted member and volunteer of St. Leo Catholic Church for over 50 years, generously giving his time, talents, and knowledge to the people he loved within the church community. His faith and willingness to help others were a guiding force throughout his life.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife Diane Rutherford McFadden, his parents, Henry and Dorothy McFadden, and his sister, Barbara Stripplehoff.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Dianne McFadden, whom he married on July 27, 2018. Steve and Dianne loved each other dearly and were completely devoted to one another. Dianne cared for Steve gently and faithfully through the end of his life, providing him with unwavering love, comfort, and companionship.

He is also survived by his two children from his marriage to Diane Rutherford McFadden: Steven McFadden II and his wife Amanda, and Brenda Hilton and her husband Shawn. Steve was the proud grandfather of three beautiful granddaughters: Sabrina, Paige, and Olivia. He was also blessed with two great-granddaughters, Addison and Penelope.

Steve is also survived by his siblings: Tommy McFadden and his wife Hanne, twin sister Teresa Roche’ and her husband Jere, Karen Hammonds and her husband Jerry, Barry McFadden, and Charlie McFadden and his wife Kathy.

Steve will be remembered for his sharp mind, inventive spirit, dedication to education, and deep love for his family and community. His impact will live on through the many lives he touched, the students he taught, and the innovations he helped create.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday June 2, 2026 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Versailles. Burial will follow at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Monday, June 1, 2026 at Clark Funeral Home, Rose Hill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Kentucky or Catholic Campaign @ St Leo.