John B. Padgham

John B. Padgham was born March 2, 1931, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Dr. John and Veronica Padgham. He passed away peacefully in late May 2026 at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Joan and Patricia; his beloved wife, Peggy; and numerous extended family members and friends.

John loved telling stories about growing up in small-town Iowa, where his father was a respected physician. He was proud to be known as “Dr. Padgham’s son” and cherished accompanying his father on rounds and house calls. He also delighted in teasing his sisters, Joan and Patricia, whom he adored.

The death of his father while John was still in high school profoundly shaped him. Determined to give his own children what he had lost too soon, he devoted himself to being a present and engaged father. He played catch, read bedtime stories, invented his famous Red Fox tales, and encouraged creativity by challenging his children to make up stories at the dinner table before revealing “the real story”—which was entirely fictional and usually far more entertaining.

John’s warmth and sense of fun drew people to him. Neighborhood children often came to the door asking, “Can your dad come out to play?” His love of young people led him to volunteer as a Boy Scout leader long before he and Peggy had children of their own.

Although he dreamed of becoming a farmer, John found his calling as a geologist. He loved working outdoors, spending time on drilling rigs, and later mentoring younger geologists throughout a long career with Chevron, followed by work with Superior Oil and Gas Company, Tenneco, then as a consultant for Grayson Petroleum in Whitesboro, TX.

While working in Dallas, he met Peggy Holland at First Methodist Church. Convinced he would soon be called to military service in Korea, they married just four months after meeting. They would remain married for nearly 70 years.

John and Peggy were wonderfully different. Peggy was energetic, “type A”, outgoing, and loved entertaining. John was easygoing, happiest working in the yard or playing golf. Peggy once explained why they shared the nickname “Pill” by saying, “Because he’s easy to swallow and I’m hard to take.” Together they embraced adventure, moving wherever John’s career led them, including three memorable years in Ahwaz, Iran.

John was a lifelong learner with a vivid imagination, a quick wit, and a deep love for people. He enjoyed Chinese food, golf, gardening, long walks, reading, sweets of every kind, and spending time with family and friends. Even as dementia gradually stole many memories, it never diminished his joy at seeing familiar faces or hearing from those he loved. Nothing brought him greater happiness than his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson.

Though a scientist at heart who asked thoughtful questions about faith, Scripture, and God, John held firmly to the belief that Jesus loved him and had prepared a place for him. After four days of silence, his final spoken word came when his daughter Juliet asked whether he had seen his parents and Peggy. With clear conviction, he answered, “Yes.”

John is now at peace, his mind restored and his joy complete, reunited with Peggy, his parents, sisters, and the many family members and friends who went before him.

He is survived by his children, John and Cyndi Padgham, Steven Padgham, and Juliet and Jimmy Spencer; grandchildren Holland Padgham, Cindy Robinson, Veronica Deschner, and Rowan Deschner; great-granddaughters Olivia and Sophia Robinson; great-grandson James McGreggor; as well as many nieces, nephews, neighbors, golfing companions, and dear friends.

Per his and Peggy’s wishes, a private family celebration will be held later this summer.

If John touched your life through his kindness, generosity, humor, or friendship, memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church of Gainesville or a charity of your choosing.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Judy and Don Neal, beloved neighbors who enriched his life in ways too numerous to count, and to John’s “rent-a-wife” Donna Rehm, who made it possible for him to play golf through age 93. They are also grateful to the caregivers of Cornerstone Caregiving of Gainesville, Absolute Angels Home Health, and Home Hospice of Cooke County for the compassionate care they provided.