Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Padgett, Willdan M. "Willie" January 27, 2013
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Nan Wheaton wheaton1624@yahoo.com September 1, 2014, 12:18 pm

Iona Sentinel-Standard - Tues. Jan. 29, 2013

Willdan M. “Willie” Padgett, 72, of Ionia, died Jan. 27, 2013 at Sparrow 
Hospital- Lansing surrounded by his family.

Willdan was born on March 22, 1940, in Ionia the son of Leo B. Padgett and Mary 
(Kline) Padgett. Born with Spina Bifida, he was given little chance of 
survival. He met that challenge and developed a stubborn attitude which helped 
him meet his challenges throughout his life. He never allowed his disability to 
hinder his activities in life, and pursued his hobbies and work with enthusiasm 
and optimism. He enjoyed squirrel and deer hunting, bluegill fishing, yard 
work, tinkering with small projects and watching NASCAR Races.

Willdan began his career as a dispatcher for a local Ionia cab company. When 
Ionia Dial-A-Ride was formed, he was one of the first persons hired as a 
dispatcher. Willdan retired from Dial-A-Ride in 2004 after 25 years of service. 
He was very proud of his career with Dial-A-Ride and made many long time 
friends while working there.

Willdan is survived by his sisters, Jacqueline (Padgett) Zahm Bell of Lowell, 
and Janet (Padgett) Conley of Ionia; nieces and nephews, Angela (David) Sailer, 
Kimberly Speckin, Michael Zahm, Suzanne Nelson, Warren (Sharon) Conley and 
Valerie (Glen) Ockert; and several great and great, great nieces and nephews. 
Also surviving are his close cousins, Robert Kline, Larry (Bea) Kline, Richard 
(Barb) Kline and Joyce (Kline) Powers. Also surviving are two special friends, 
Gayle Lewis and Paul Gallagher.

Willdan was preceded in death by his parents Leo Padgett and Mary (Kline) 
Padgett Mulnix grandparents, William and Jennie (Mills) Padgett, and Alma and 
Daniel Kline; and brother-in-laws, Leland Zahm, Glenn Conley and Carl Bell.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, 
Feb. 3, 2013 at Easton United Methodist Church with Pastor Nancy Patera 
officiating. Visitation will be 2 p.m. Sunday until time of service at the 
church. Arrangements by Lake Funeral Home of Ionia. Online condolences may be 
made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ionia County 
Commission on Aging for their Transportation Program.



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