Jack W. Padgett, 90, of Princeton, passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at Gibson General Hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility in Princeton.

He was born January 25, 1927 to the late Arthur W. Padgett and Florence A. (Montgomery) Padgett in Princeton and had resided here his entire lifetime.

He was a graduate of Princeton High School and played forward on the basketball team. He served his country in the U. S. Navy during WW II, entering at Norfolk, VA. Jack started his career at the Southern Railway Shops in Princeton and later went to work for L & N Railroad and eventually retired from CSX Transportation. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball and Princeton Tiger fan. He was a very active member of First General Baptist Church in Princeton, where he served as a deacon and he and his wife, Patty started the bus ministry. Jack was a very good father and Christian man that touched many lives in the community. He was also a gardener, supplying many with tomatoes, corn and green beans.

Jack is survived by his 2 daughters, Karen Boxell (Joey) and Beverly Heldt (Rick Wheeler) of Princeton; George Heldt of Fort Branch; grandchildren, Ashley Douglas (Brian), Alex Boxell (Allison) and Audrey Heldt; bonus granddaughter, Jennifer Lyons (Craig); great grandchildren, Trisha, Jaxon and Adalynn Douglas, Carter Boxell and Paxton Turner; bonus great grandchildren, Mitchell and Madeline Kunkle; several nieces and nephews including, Richard Jones of Patoka, Rick Guardado, Penny Howell, David Howell and Jody Brower all of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia (Roberson) Padgett on September 20, 2004 and to whom he was married on June 26, 1955 in Princeton; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann and Murel “M.T.” Jones and a great grandson, Bryson Alan Douglas.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 26, 2017 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, with Pastor Brad Keenan officiating. Burial will follow at Columbia White Church Cemetery in Princeton. Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Sunday at Colvin Funeral Home. Full military rites will be provided by Retired Military Veterans.