Fred Padden
Share
Funeral service for Fred L. Padden, 92, of Winfield, Kansas will be held 2:30 p.m., Friday, April 8, 2011 at the Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, Kansas. Mr. Padden died Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at his daughter’s home in Lawrence, Kansas. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas.
Fred was born November 7, 1918 in Osage City, Kansas the son of Paul M. and Rho E. (Loomis) Padden. He was raised in Toronto, Kansas and was a graduate of Toronto High School in 1935. He attended the University of Kansas and later graduated from Williams Institute of Mortuary Science in Kansas City. He, with his father and brother owned the Padden Funeral Home in Frankfort, Kansas from 1944-1973 and the Padden Funeral Home in Holton, Kansas from 1950-1964. In Holton, he also owned the Padden Furniture Store and the Federated Department Store for a number of years. He purchased the Morris Funeral Home in Winfield, Kansas in 1973. Morris Funeral Home and Swisher- Taylor Funeral Home merged in the late 1970’s and became the Swisher-Taylor and Morris Funeral Home. He retired in 1986.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Winfield, Kansas. In Holton, Kansas , Fred was very active in the community, serving as The local Rotary International President, District Rotarian Governor, Jackson County Coroner, and President of the Local Red Cross. Fred was an accomplished tenor soloist. He was the lead soloist for the Holton community Messiah for many years and sang at many weddings and funerals throughout his professional life.
Fred was known as a young man for his athletic accomplishments including holding a KU Relays prep record in high Jump and broad jump that was not broken for many years. He was affectionately called the Toronto High School one man track team winning many track meets and state championships. While at the University of Kansas he was a member of the KU Track Team. In later years, he developed a great passion for fly fishing and spent many hours tying flies and fishing in his beloved Colorado mountain streams where he taught his grandchildren to fly fish.
He was married to Helen E. Wanklyn on October 6, 1945 in Frankfort, Kansas. She survives of Winfield, Kansas. Other survivors include two daughters, Jeannie R. Heck of Lawrence, Ks., Patsy White and her husband, Steve of Arkansas city, Ks.; one son, Philip F. Padden and his wife, Gail of Lawrence, Ks. ; seven grandchildren, Brian and Brandon Heck, Kim Penny, Jeff White, Jennifer Grace, Tyler and Kyle Padden; nine great grandchildren, Raeleigh and Vaughn Heck, Kate, Andrew and Mackenzie White, Hunter and Morgan Grace, Lauren and Gabe Heck.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church in Winfield, Kansas and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m., Friday until service time at the mortuary.
Phil, We are so sad to hear about Fred’s death. We will always remember the fun Thanksgiving dinners we all shared at your home. I do not think I am going to be able to rearrange my schedule enough to be at the service, but will try. But either way, you know Diane and I will be thinking of you. Rob
So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. I really enjoyed his stories of fly fishing trips to Colorado. He always had a smile when he came to the shop for a hair cut. He will be missed. Our Prayers are with your Family. Clif Flower
Thinking of you and your family, Jen.
I’m here if you need anything!
Peace to you…
Tish
We send our love and condolences to each of you during this time of loss. We are very sorry and will be praying for you and thinking of you during this time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Rodger and Sheryl Henry
I send my love and sympathy to each of you as we pause to remember Fred’s life and all the wonderful gifts he left to his family and friends. Friday will be the day of celebration of Fred’s life, but I will be in Mississippi and unable to attend. He knew of the love of his family, and I know he would want to be remembered with lots of smiles instead of sad faces and tears. Special cyberhugs to Phillip and Gail, Patsy and Steve, Jeannie and Helen. The decades of friendship have anchored us all together with a special bond. Love to you, Dale McCune
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Lehr Family
Helen and Family,
I was so very sorry to hear of your great loss. Fred was truly special. I discovered this in the short time I knew him. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers and if there is anything at all that you need, please let me know.
Leigh Ann
A Helping Hands
So sorry to read of your loss in the local paper, Jeannie. Everytime I drive down New York Street, past your old home, I think of you and your family. We’ve been blessed to have our parents so long. My mother turned 96 in March. I treasure my time with her. Please pass on my condolences to your beautiful mother. That is how I remember her! My sympathies to all of your family at this time. Sincerely, Betsy Marshall Gilliland
Dear Phil,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. The memories you shared with him will help keep his spirit close at heart. You and your family are in my prayers. With Deepest Sympathy, Sharon
Dear Phillip, Jeannie, Patsy, and families, and Mrs Helen Padden,
I happened to be reading the Holton Recorder online today and sadly read the obituary of your Father. I spent so many hours at your home on “New York” when we were all growing up and Fred and Helen were always so kind to me and a truly wonderful couple in Holton. I especially remember your Father’s beautiful singing voice and his solos at church…I believe my Mother occasionally accompanied him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and especially convey my thoughts and prayers to your Mother. I wish I could be present in person to see all of you again.
Phillip and families, So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. You have helped us through the passing of our parents and I thank God for all of your help and your kindness through those times. May you find peace and strength in the Lord Jesus Christ during this time. God Bless you all.
Phillip and families, So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. You have helped us through the passing of our parents and I thank God for all of your help and your kindness through those times. May you find peace and strength in the Lord Jesus Christ during this time. God Bless you all.
Dear Phillip, Jeannie, Patsy, and Mrs. Padden. I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Padden’s passing. The memories you have will keep his spirit close and give you comfort. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Janis
Patsy~The HHS Class of ’67 extends heartfelt sympathy to you and your family during this time of sadness…
Dear Jeannie and Family,
So sorry to hear about your father/grandfather. It’s never easy to have someone we love leave us. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Donna and Steve Begshaw