David Padgham

David Herbert Padgham passed away on June 17th, 2015. Dave was born to Gertrude and Charles Padgham on May 24th, 1921 at the Padgham homestead in Sunnyside, Washington. He was the youngest of 9 children, 3 brothers and 6 sisters. He attended the country school and later Sunnyside High School . After graduating, he enlisted in the Navy as an Aviation Radioman and was stationed at Whidby Island. He attended WSU and Gonzaga Universities and later received his teaching degree from Central Washington State University. He taught band and chorus in Bickleton, Mabton and St Joseph’s Catholic School during the 60’s and 70’s. In 1946 he met Margaret Carlson from Toppenish while playing a dance job with the Ken Davison Band in Goldendale . They married in 1947 and moved to the Padgham homestead where Dave operated a dairy and 111 acre farm. Following the Padgham tradition, they also had 9 children, 7 girls and 2 boys. Dave had 3 passions in life; his family, his music and his animals. He played the tenor saxophone, clarinet and was the vocalist in several big bands during the 40’s, 50’s 60’s and 70’s, and had the privilege of accompanying several notable performers, such as Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Red Skelton, Lawrence Welk and many others. He also enjoyed directing choir for St Joseph’s in Sunnyside, Blessed Sacrament in Grandview and Sacred Heart in Prosser. He started a performing group called The Sound Expressions which he said was the highlight of his musical career. Dave also enjoyed performing with the Lower Valley Musical Comedy and was featured in the productions of Brigadoon and Kismet among others. In 1991 Dave and Margaret moved to Prosser and he enjoyed raising Suffolk sheep, providing lambs for 4-H kids and others. Throughout the years he always had his beloved dogs whom he bestowed his unique names on and they became his devoted companions. He also enjoyed riding his horse well into his 70’s. Dave is survived by his wife, Margaret and children MaryBeth Matthews (Matt), Elaine Cullen (John Vandervert), John Padgham (Jan), Tom Padgham, Catherine Rider (Larry), Margie Padgham (Pete Madsen), Emily Bean (Wayne), Claire Price (Michael) and Carolyn Padgham-Walker (Steve), and one sister, Pauline Schockley of Outlook. Dave and Margaret had 20 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.. He will be missed for his wit, calm, wise demeanor and as the beloved patriarch of a devoted family. We will forever remember ‘the leader of the band’. Mass of Christian burial will be held 11:00 am Thursday, June 25, 2015 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grandview. A reception will follow Mass at Blessed Sacrament’s gymnasium. Inurnment will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, June 25, 2015 at the Prosser Cemetery. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Sunnyside is in care of all arrangements. Condolences can be sent to www.valleyhillsfh.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David Padgham, please visit our flower store.