Donald LeRoy Padget, 80, died surrounded by the love of his family at his home in Newton on Saturday, September 30, 2023. A celebration of life visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, November 12, 2023, at the Newton Arboretum. A private military burial will be held at Newton Union Cemetery. Memorials in Don’s name (checks payable to Shirley Padget) may be left at the celebration of life or at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Don, or LeRoy as some knew him, the son of Lale and Ola (Herbert) Padget, was born on April 7, 1943, in Davis County, Iowa. He grew up in southern Iowa and graduated from Davis County High School in 1961. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force serving from 1961-1965. On June 1, 1963, Don married Shirley Bogert. They were blessed with three children, Tammi, Terri, and Travis.

Don enjoyed raising hosta and roses, fishing, snowmobiling, playing cribbage-which was a family tradition, cheering on Newton football and wrestling, and shopping at Walmart. You could find him most times at his computer (likely forwarding inappropriate jokes to family and friends). He coached girls’ city league softball for many years. In retirement, Don always enjoyed having coffee with his Maytag IT co-workers. Don and Shirley wintered in Apache Junction, Arizona for 13 years where Don knew the names of all the dogs in the dog park.

Don was employed by the Maytag Company from 1969 to 2007 and retired as IT Team Leader. Don was a member of the American Legion Post 111 and a former member of the Emerson Hough Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, the Maytag Management Club, Newton Booster Club, and a Junior Achievement Leader.

Don is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Tammi DeJong (Jimmy Rethmeier) of Newton, Terri (Dave) Fisher of Mesa, Arizona, and Travis (Greg) Padget of Newton; his eight grandchildren, Chad (Laura), CJ (Brian Huseman), and Shane (April) Hoffman, Benson, Hunter, and Oscar Padget, Bailey (Derrick) Hurt, and Tessa (Jordan) Travis; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Neva (Ken) Allen; half-sister, Waunitta Huber; sister-in-law, Yvonne Padget; and many nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Carl and Lester Padget; two half-brothers; and three half-sisters.

Sunday
November 12, 2023
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Newton Arboretum
3000 N 4th Ave E
Newton, IA 50208