Everitt Padgitt

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Everitt J Padgitt, 97, of Avilla, passed away on June 18, 2018 at Lutheran Life Villages in Kendallville, Indiana.  He is now safe in God’s glory with his precious wife, Rosemarie.  Everitt was born in his grandparent’s home in Avilla, Indiana on May 31, 1921.  He was the only son of J. Everitt Padgitt and Jessie (Macklin) Padgitt.  Everitt was married in Avilla to the late Rosemarie (Swaim) Padgitt on October 25, 1947.  Rosemarie passed away in 1991. 

He graduated from Avilla High School in 1939. Thereafter, Everitt hitchhiked to Fort Wayne in 1940, where he found his first job at Gardner’s Soda Shop.  He shared a room with a friend in Fort Wayne in those early years.  He then worked at GE in Fort Wayne for 42 years and retired in 1985.  He was the first librarian in Avilla.  He was a Boy Scout Master by 1945.  He served in the Indiana State Guard prior to WW II and received an honorable discharge.  Everitt became a 75 year member of the Indiana Free Masons in 2017.  He was an active member of the Air Force Association for many years. He was a founding member and instrumental in the creation of the Greater Fort Wayne Aviation Museum located at the Fort Wayne International Airport.  The museum showcases local industries and individuals that contributed to aviation history throughout the world.  He was very involved in the Acres Land Trust and volunteered countless hours to them.  He donated to several organizations including the ARC of Noble County. 

His families were pillars in the community of Avilla going back several generations.  His maternal grandfather, Cowden Macklin, served in the Union Federal Army in the American Civil War and was wounded in the Battle of Appomattox in April, 1865.  Everitt’s grandpa Macklin is buried in Avilla.  His great grandfather, Dolan, owned a hotel in Avilla.  His uncle Riley owned Riley’s Gun Store, also in Avilla.  He and his wife Rosemarie, along with their only child Diane traveled to 47 States as well as all over Europe.

Everitt was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosemarie and his only child, a daughter, Diane, whom passed in 2011, his parents and grandparents.  He is survived by his cousins, countless close friends, his caregivers; the Amburgey family of Avilla, who brought him home cooked meals every day and mowed his lawn for several years. Including his best friend, Ellen Jefferies of LaOtto, who has been a part of his life and shared a friendship for more than 30 years.

His love of dark chocolate was insatiable and he had a beautiful smile that he shared with everyone. Everitt’s quick wit and colorful sense of humor will be sorely missed by many.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville with a Masonic service at 7:00 PM conducted by members of the Avilla Lodge.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 22, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home.
Burial will take place at Avilla Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials may be made to the ARC of Noble County.
Share a favorite memory or send a condolence online at www.hitefuneralhome.com
Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.

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