John W. Padgett

John William Padgett 81 of Bartow passed away on Friday, February 13, 2015 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center of complications from Diabetes. Born on March 13, 1933 in Lake Garfield John attended Summerlin Institute and enlisted in the US Navy in November of 1951. He served for twenty three years of active duty during the Korean and Viet Nam Wars retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer. He served on the the USS Philippine Sea (CVA-47); USS Shenandoah (AD-26); USS O'Brien (DD-725); USS Clarke County (LST-601) and the USS Laffey (DD-724). During the Viet Nam War he served in combat with the Naval Mobile Riverine Forces in Viet Nam's Delta Region. After retiring from the Military John returned to Bartow and was employed by WR Grace in the Phosphate Industry for fourteen years and remained in the Naval Fleet Reserve thru May 1, 1981. He was of the Protestant Faith. He was preceded in death by his wife Lacona Padgett, brother Bill Padgett, and his parents Rev. William "Will" and Sara Padgett. He is survived by a sister Shirley Johnson of Bartow and a brother Tommy Padgett and his wife Annette of Lake Wales. Also numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 17th from 10-11am at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow with Funeral Services at 11am. For those who wish donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org/Donate in memory of John. Condolences may be sent to the Family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com