Byron Padgett, 61 of Kirklin passed away on June 15, 2023. He fought a long hard battle from an injury sustained in a hunting accident. He was born Aug. 30, 1961, in Kirklin, IN to Nancy Price Padgett and Thomas B. Padgett.
He graduated from Clinton Central High School in 1980 and was a member of the basketball team that won the regional that year. He was always so very proud of that. He was a union brick mason for 10 years. He was an EMT for 23 years and ran with both the Kirklin Fire Department and the Forest Fire Department. He was also a volunteer firefighter for both Kirklin and Forest. He left brick laying to work as a jailer at the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department for 2 years. He later was hired by the town of Kirklin as their town marshal. He worked there for 16 years before retiring on July 11, 2011. He was also a member of the Clinton County SWAT team.
Byron had many hobbies during his life, but hunting was at the forefront. He was an avid reader of a variety of books but especially about World War II. He loved playing guitar, riding his Harley, leather working, gardening, fishing, collecting antiques and photography. He also received great joy from delivering mini golden doodle puppies for good friends Angie and Dennis Freidline.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years Jody Coleman Padgett; two children Logan R. Padgett and Dylan T. Padgett, his mother Nancy K. Padgett and brother Brooks W. Padgett (Irma), sister-in-law Janet C. Moeller, and nephew William C. Moeller.
He was preceded in passing by his father Thomas B. Padgett, sister Robin Ann Padgett and brother Scott.
A graveside service will be held at 12:30p.m. Saturday June 24, 2023, at St. Paul Cemetery near Forest. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St. Russiaville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kirklin American Legion or Wounded Warrior Project. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com