Francis Merrill Padgett, known as Frank, died peacefully at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home on August 12, 2009, at eighty-eight years old.

Frank was a life-long resident of La Plata and Waldorf, and had deep roots in Charles County. Born and raised on St Mary's Avenue in La Plata, Frank's mother Pearl Morse Padgett was the first librarian in Charles County public library, and his father Joseph Vernon Padgett delivered papers for the Star Paper company during the depression. After a short stint helping to build the Potomac River bridge during his teenage years, Frank began his career with the Pargas propane gas company where he stayed throughout his working life, eventually becoming vice president in charge of sales.

During the interruption of World War II, Frank worked for the Navy in Washington, D.C. Immediately after that, the Navy R.O.T.C. sent him to Princeton University, where he graduated in 1948. He married Hilda Olivia Greer, and together they raised his family of three boys in Waldorf, on what is now called Old Washington Road. In those days, Waldorf was a small rural town of 2000 people, quite different from what it is today. Frank was deeply involved in the Waldorf of those post-war years, being president of the Lion's club and chairman of the board of the Waldorf Boy Scouts. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. He liked Southern Maryland and was liked by all who knew him.

Frank Padgett is survived by three sons, John who lives in Chicago, Douglas who lives in Waldorf, and Robert (Bob) who lives in Annapolis, by five grandchildren, Ray and Olivia of Chicago and Jason, Adam and Lisa of North Carolina, and by his friend of the past ten years Lennis Bridgett. His memory is cherished by all concerned.

Visitation on Sunday, August 16, 2009, 5 - 8 PM at Raymond Funeral Chapel, La Plata, MD.

Funeral Service on Monday, August 17, 2009, at 11AM at Raymond Funeral Chapel.

Clergy will be Fr. Robert Golas.

Interment will be at Mt. Rest Cemetery, La Plata.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.