Gerald Padgett

Gerald Lee Padgett, 89, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Crown Pointe Assisted Living in Lebanon, Indiana. He was born at home on the family farm in Clinton County, Indiana, on August 15, 1935, the son of the late Oren Lavere and Wilma Eva (Stephenson) Padgett. Gerald was a 1953 graduate of Lebanon High School in Lebanon, Indiana. He was a three-sport athlete, especially excelling at basketball. He also sang in the choir and served on the student council. He served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1953 - 1955 as a peacekeeper and firefighter in Korea. He spoke fondly of his adventures, especially taking a boat all the way from Seattle to Tokyo. He attended Purdue University. On June 5, 1965, he was united in marriage to Jeanette (Quellhorst) Padgett in Lebanon, Indiana; she survives. Gerald was a lifelong farmer, growing corn, soybeans and hay. He had a large swine operation and also raised cattle. He had a soft spot for “runts”, and more than a few times brought home animals from the sale barn that no one else wanted as “pets” for his kids. He maintained a fishing pond on the farm for the enjoyment of his family and neighbors. Gerald was a 12-year member of the Lebanon Community School Corporation Board of Trustees, holding the office of President multiple times. He signed the high school diplomas of all four of his children. He was President of the Breeders and Feeders, served on the Farm Bureau Co-op Board and was the Perry Township Assessor. He was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lebanon for over 45 years, serving as a Eucharistic Minister. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He supported his children through school, 4-H and countless other activities. He was a dedicated Lebanon Tigers sports fan, attending countless events to support his team. In his later years, his greatest joy came from watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren do all the things they love to do. He was quick-witted and loved people, a gentleman and a jokester to the end. Survivors include his loving wife, Jeanette Padgett; children, Thomas G. Padgett, Penny Keller (Brent), Kathy Dunshee (Doyle), and Elizabeth Keith (Shawn); grandchildren, John Padgett (Bailey), Laura Beth Buland (Erik), Emily Padgett, Stella Padgett, William Padgett, Robert Lee, Sydney DeBaun (Logan), Olivia Hooker (Austin), Luke Dunshee, Samantha Dunshee, Matthew Keith (Lauren), Ryan Keith and Sarah Keith; great grandchildren, Andi, Walker, Harper and Riley Padgett, Henry and Oliver Buland, Owen DeBaun and Grayson Keith as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his siblings, Lloyd Padgett, Charles Padgett Sr., Elsie Gary, and Zillah Pletch and grandsons Max Dunshee and Jacob Dunshee. A Funeral Mass with Military Rites are planned for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 319 East South Street, in Lebanon, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Lebanon. Myers Mortuary has been entrusted with his arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Lebanon High School Athletic Department, Five Loaves and Two Fishes Food Bank (St. Joseph’s Catholic Church) and The Caring Center.

Gerald Padgett

August 15, 1935 - December 1, 2024