Charles Leroy Padgett

Padgett, Charles L.

Comstock Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Went to be with the Lord Thursday August 18, 2022, surrounded by his forever grateful family. Charles was born to the late Elmer and Blanche (Betz) Padgett on April 21, 1934, in Watervliet, Michigan. Early on in life, Charles joined the Naval Reserves and served for several years. He married the love of his life, Joy, on April 4, 1953 and together they built a wonderful life. Charles never shied away from hard work and providing for his family.  Throughout the years he worked for many local businesses but the majority of his time was spent working for Miller Lumber Company and Comstock Public Schools. He was also an active volunteer firefighter for 40 years with the Comstock Fire Department, earning the rank of Captain.  Being a firefighter was something he took great pride in; his family and community appreciated his dedication and countless selfless acts. In his down time, he enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing up north, traveling with family and friends, spending Summer vacations at Gun Lake and attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities. He will be remembered for his genuine smile, unconditional love, positivity, faith and endless pride he had for all of his family and friends.

Surviving Charles is his wife of 69 years, Joy (Psalmonds) Padgett; children, Chet Padgett, Larry (Deann) Padgett, Laurie (Bill) Babbitt; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Frances (Padgett) Westrate and Elsie (Padgett) Hendrickson; and special family members Sue Schoder, Louann Boyd, and Mark Kampen.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Blanche Padgett, his daughter-in-law Kathy (Born) Padgett, and his siblings Betty (Padgett) Wyman and his twin sister Sarah (Padgett) Swanders.

In honor of Charles’ life, visitation will be held on August 25, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 622 South Burdick Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007. The funeral service will be held Friday, the following day, at 1:00 p.m. at the same location with a graveside service immediately following the funeral service at Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan.  The procession will make a special stop at the Comstock Fire Station 9-1 for a final salute.  A special thank you to Kairos Dwelling, along with Hospice, for their compassionate care.  Please direct any donations to these very special organizations. To view Charles’ personalized webpage please visit https://www.langelands.com