William "Bill" Padgett

William “Bill” Franklin Padgett, age 83, was born to Bettie and Perry Padgett on December 11, 1934 in Columbia Falls.

At 14, he left home to work in the lumber camps. At 16, he and a buddy went east and worked at the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois. When he returned home about a year later, he persuaded his parents to sign for him so he could enlist in the Navy. He was 17. After serving four years in the Navy, he re-enlisted in the Air Force and was assigned to the 340 Airfuel Squadron (SAC), where he was a radio operator.

He met and later married Katherine Lucille Ridenour. They lived and worked a short while in Missouri before returning to Bill’s beloved Montana. Bill worked for 30 years at the Columbia Falls aluminum plant. Kay and Bill adopted two children, Debbie and Loren. The family greatly enjoyed the outdoors. Camping, fishing and picking huckleberries were favorite pastimes. Kay and Bill both chose to serve the Lord in 1968. That choice brought joy and peace and also brought them into a fellowship they both valued. After Kay’s death, Bill married Margie Bunker and they lived in Kalispell.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his 1st wife, Kay and all his siblings, Grace, Perry, Leona and Floyd and his son, Loren.

Bill is survived by his wife, Margie; daughter, Debbie; grandchildren, nephews, nieces and many friends.

Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.