Gerald Padgett

Gerald "Pudge" Padgett of Thatcher passed away December 17, 2018 at the age of 75. He was born December 24, 1942 in Conway, Arkansas to Leonard Earl & Sidney Inez Padgett with siblings Bob & Debi. The family moved to Morenci where Pudge went to high school and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After leaving the Navy, he went to work as a crane operator. Pudge married Kay Nelson and the couple was blessed with 2 daughters; Sheila & Jerri Padgett. That marriage ended in divorce and Pudge later married Jeanne Williams adding her sons; Brian & Mark Williams to the family. Pudge enjoyed watching Nascar, hot rods, racing cars, riding in his sandrail and fishing. He loved telling jokes and having a beer with friends He is survived by his wife Jeanne, 2 daughters; Sheila (Andrew) Romero and Jerri (Steven) Bryce, sons Brian & Mark Williams and Mike Cranford, 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, his dog Bridget and his goats Bevis & Butthead. A viewing will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel with the Celebration of Life following at 11:00 a.m.