MCLEANSBORO – Wilton Dewey Badgett, age 69, of McLeansboro, IL, passed away Friday, June 28, 2024, at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro, IL.
Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral service is at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 3, at Harre Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Miller officiating. Burial will be in Blooming Grove Cemetery in McLeansboro.
Buddy was born February 24, 1955, in Mt. Vernon, IL, to Wilton Dewey Badgett Sr. and Ramona Olive (Apgar) Badgett. He married Beverly Campbell on April 3, 1994, at Blooming Grove Baptist Church, McLeansboro, IL.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Badgett, McLeansboro; grandchildren, Draven Gosney and Braeliana Gosney; daughter, Kristina Gosney, Mt. Vernon; son-in-law, Jared Gosney, Mt. Vernon; two sisters, Francine Zedalis, Mt.Vernon, and Gina Miller of Kansas; brother-in-law, Stephen Nelson, Springerton; sister-in-law, Debbie Campbell, McLeansboro; several nephews and nieces and special friends Phil, Carla, and Terry Pryor of Ina.
Preceding Buddy in death were his parents, Wilton and Ramona Badgett; daughter, Melissa Badgett Meadows; 3 nephews, Justin Whipps, Christopher Thurn, and John David Campbell; brothers-in-law, Dennis Zedalis and David Campbell; and sister-in-law Janice Nelson.
Buddy was an auto body tech and the owner/operator of B & B Autobody in McLeansboro, IL. Buddy developed his love and talent for restoring cars as a boy working with his uncle, Mutt Wilson, in his body shop and developing the many skills he learned from his father. Buddy enjoyed fishing, maintaining his yard, and being outdoors. One of his favorite pastimes was riding his Harley. Buddy was a member of the First Baptist Church of McLeansboro. He was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge and the Odd Fellows Lodge. He served on the Board of Odd Fellows Cemetery and West Salem Cemetery.
His greatest joy was the time he spent with his grandchildren. He was their biggest supporter in activities from playing football to band concerts. Buddy spent many hours playing Legos, fishing, swimming, and being a mentor, teacher, and friend to his grandchildren who share his love and talent for creativity. Buddy enjoyed traveling with his wife, working on their home together and being with his family.