Larry Wayne Padgett, 90, of Orange, Texas, passed away on March 9, 2026, in Beaumont.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. Officiating will be Reverend Mark Bunch. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 11, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.
Born in Orange, Texas, on December 30, 1935, he was the son of Emmery Padgett and Margie M. Heslip Padgett. Larry worked for DuPont as a mechanical technician and his love for crafting extended well beyond his work, as he enjoyed woodworking in his free time, taking pride in the pieces he created. Larry also had a penchant for collecting, with a special interest in cameras, coins, Coca-Cola memorabilia, cars, and Elvis Presley memorabilia, showcasing his diverse interests and appreciation for history and culture. Growing up, Larry cherished moments spent camping, enjoying the great outdoors and the beauty of nature. He brought this same enthusiasm to his home life, where he found joy in simple pleasures such as mowing his yard. His love for animals was evident in the bond he shared with his dog, which added warmth and companionship to his life. Larry's role as “Poppy" to his grandchildren brought him immense joy. His loving nature and dedication to family created cherished memories that will last forever. He was a prominent figure within St. Paul Methodist Church in Bridge City, where he was known for his kind spirit and commitment to his faith and community. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Emmery and Margie Padgett; his loving wife, Elaine Padgett; his son, Chris Padgett; his brother, Jerry Padgett; and his sister, Violet Hunt.
He is survived by his significant other, Rita Carlquist; his daughter, Tammy Wilson and husband, Kenney; his fur baby, Churro; his grandchildren, Troy Padgett, Luke Padgett, and Lori Williams; his great grandchild, Sara Williams; his nieces, Betty Paul, Tommie Phillips, and Jerri Padgett; and numerous other loving family members and friends.