Billy Dale Paden, 88, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
 
He was born March 25, 1930 in Elwood, KS to James and Cora (Sanderson) Paden.
 
Bill graduated from Elwood High School in 1949. He served in the Air Force, stationed in Texas during the Korean Conflict.
 
Bill married Dixie Forbes May 24th, 1952.
 
Bill and Dixie built a new home in Elwood in 1957 and lived there until 1971, when they moved to Wathena. While in Elwood they were faithful members of the Elwood Baptist Church. Bill also served on the Elwood City Council and was an Elwood Volunteer Fire Fighter.
 
He worked for Seitz (Lovers Lane) driving a truck for 25 years. In 1972 he built the Dairy Barn in Wathena, KS and ran the family business for 21 years. He also started The Blossom Shop flower shop, in Wathena, currently known as The Flower Peddler.
 
Bill and Dixie enjoyed traveling to Texas and Arizona in the winter months for many years after retirement. Bill was a doting husband, father, grandfather & great-grandfather. Bill’s faith in God was strong and was evident in the life he lead. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Wathena serving as a deacon for many years. Bill was also a member of the American Legion Post 161 of Wathena. Over the years he enjoyed planting and tending flowers, bushes, and trees. Bill took great pride and pleasure in supporting family members at ballgames, graduations, weddings and various events. His family was his passion.
 
Bill was preceded in death by 3 infant brothers, Mother and Father, Brothers Willard Lee and Wes Paden, and by a Sister Doris Dishon.
 
Bill is survived by Dixie his wife, Children; Karen & Bill Ryser, Bryan & Jody Paden, Noel & Bob Halter. Grandchildren; Nathan Ryser (Shanna), Ryan Ryser (Melissa) Jessica Herbster (Tyler), Jared Paden (Korri), Bryce Paden (Hannah), Paden Halter (Taylor), Erica Halter & Zachary Halter. 10 Great-Grandchildren; Banks & Ryker Herbster, Saylor & Knox Ryser, Kolbi, Kaci & Joie Paden, Judah & Shiloh Ryser, Parker Paden. Brother, Dave Paden of Spring, Texas
 
FUNERAL:  Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 2:00 P.M.
                     At:  First Baptist Church in Wathena
                     Visitation:  family will receive friends Friday evening 6-8 pm at the church.
                     Burial: Bellemont Cemetery, Wathena, KS.
                     Memorials: Wathena EMS or First Baptist Church, Wathena, KS.
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