Wilber Padgett, age 95 of Early, IA, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. Wilber Earl Padgett was born on July 28, 1927, to parents Earl and Lavina Ruth (Cook) Padgett in Shelbyville, IL. He was raised on a farm where he and his family lived through the 1930’s. Wilber often shared his memories of working the horses and mules while on the family farm. He attended Summit Grade School in Shelby County and graduated with the class of 1945 from Tower Hill High School in Lakewood, IL. At just seventeen years of age, Wilber worked for Illinois Central Railroad as a fireman on coal burner steam engines making trips from Chicago to Champaign, IL, and then return.
In 1949, at the age of twenty-two, Wilber was drafted into the United States Army and sent to Tokyo, Japan. He returned home and in 1950, was called to duty again to Korea.
On February 2, 1952, Wilber was united in marriage to Eleanor Faye Cloyd in Loami, IL, at the United Methodist Church. They were blessed with their son, Herb. In 1953, they moved to Clarence, MO, where they purchased land and farmed it. In 1967, he began work for the Corp of Army Engineers on the lock and dam system on the Mississippi River. In 1987, the couple retired and moved to Florida where Wilber did handy-man jobs and raised cattle. Over the years, while living in Florida, he drilled approximately 80 shallow wells with his two-man rig.
Wilber and Eleanor enjoyed life, together. Whether it was riding motorcycles, flying airplanes, or just spending time outdoors, they kept themselves busy doing things they thoroughly enjoyed. Wilber was a licensed pilot and especially enjoyed flying his Cessna 172. He owned many airplanes over the years. He would purchase one, get it fixed up and then sell it and repeat the process. He also built a one-person ultralight motorized glider and was a Midwest sales representative in late 1980’s.
In 2006, Wilber and Eleanor moved to Early, IA, to be closer to their son, Herb and wife Robyn, as well as their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wilber celebrated his 95th birthday less than a week ago with his family…all seven great-grandchildren were in attendance which filled his heart. He will certainly be missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Survivors include son, Herb (Robyn) Padgett of Early, IA; grandchildren Gina and Gennifer; great-grandchildren: Carter, Paige, Brenden, Kai, Kali, Autumn and Ellie; many extended family members and friends.
Wilber was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Padgett in 2019; granddaughter Gala Padgett in 2011; parents Earl and Ruth Padgett; brother Erville; and sisters: Mildred Getz, Ruby Sandidge, and Betty Mae Padgett.
Memorials can be made in Wilber's memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital:
ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
