Gary Jack Padavich's Obituary
Gary Jack Padavich, age 83 of Centerville, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at home on West Cottage Street in Centerville, Iowa in the same house that he was born in on November 5, 1941.
He was the son of Jack and Wilma (Flowers) Padavich. He grew up playing with his cousins and close friends on the street and attended elementary, junior high, and high school in Centerville. His nickname was "Speedy" because he could run really fast on the track, basketball court, and football field. He enjoyed working as a lifeguard at Lake Wapello. He graduated from Centerville High School with the Class of 1960. He continued his education at Centerville Community College, Palmer Jr. College in Davenport, and Northeast Missouri State University. On January 12, 1963, Gary was united in marriage to Darlene Stroud. To this union, a daughter, Darcie was born.
Gary was employed by Reliable Culvert for 34 years, retiring as a supervisor. In his free time, he enjoyed being outdoors. He loved the sunshine, especially with a cold beer in his hand. He knew how to make a great fire, and was fond of fireside chats with his West Cottage neighbors.
He loved going to casinos, watching horse racing, and playing the lottery. He was always hoping to win big. He had a deep affection for traveling, especially to Florida, New York City, San Francisco, and going to the ocean. Gary had many dreams including being an actor, opening a bookstore, and living somewhere warm. He was an avid reader throughout his life and encouraged his daughter and grandchildren to follow their dreams as well. He believed in them getting a college education so that they could be well rounded and knowledgeable about many things.
He had a great collection of jazz music and hundreds of movies on his shelves. He liked listening to Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Buffet. He especially liked Woody Allen movies but he thoroughly enjoyed watching all kinds of movies and liked it when his grandchildren brought up ones that he had never heard of before.
Gary never missed an Iowa State Fair, and would always look forward to going every year. He especially loved to camp in a tent next to all the fancy campers, even in the rain. He was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Indiana Fever. He was a big Caitlin Clark fan and he was glad that he was able to see her play in Iowa City.
Gary was a very opinionated person, and liked to tell people about it. He hated snow and funerals and he didn't trust politicians. He loved many cats over the years, especially his favorite cat that brought him mice heads each morning. He had a great sense of humor and imagination. He read many newspapers and magazines in which he would underline or circle important parts for others in the family to read. He would cross out names or pictures of people he didn't like. He cherished every moment he spent with his grandchildren. He was passionate about going to all of their events and loved to take them to breakfast at Soula's on the Centerville town square. He had many great quotes which he shared with his grandchildren. Two of his favorites were "It will be better in the end. If it's not better, it's not the end" and "Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think".
Left to honor Gary's memory are his wife of 62 years, Darlene Padavich; his daughter, Darcie (Denny) Whitlow; his grandchildren, Cayleigh Whitlow, Kaden Whitlow and Gable Whitlow; his close cousin, Bob (Carolyn) Padavich; brother-in-law, Dale Stroud (Janet) of Springfield, Ohio; brother-in-law, Don Stroud (Linda) of Parkview, Iowa; and sister-in-law Deloris McGimpsey of Eldridge, Iowa; as well as several extended family members, friends and neighbors.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Wilma Padavich; his in-laws, Boyd and Lorene Stroud; sister-in-law, Eilene Stroud; and brother-in-law, Jim McGimpsey.
Per wishes, cremation has been accorded. Gary often joked about having his ashes sprinkled in the kitty litter. A visitation will take place Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, with the family greeting friends from 10:00-11:00 AM. Following the visitation, everyone is welcome to join in a Celebration of Life service for Gary at Thomas Funeral Home at 11:00AM. Burial will follow the service at Dale Cemetery. In honor of Gary's love for the Iowa Hawkeyes, we ask that people wear Hawkeye attire or gold and black to the visitation. Memorials in honor of Gary have been established to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Padavich Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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