Benjamin Padden

Funeral Services for Benny Padden, 85, of Camp Crook will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 11, 2017, at the Camp Crook Community Center, Camp Crook, SD. Pastor Brad Abelseth and the Ekalaka Masonic Lodge # 120 will be officiating. Burial will be in the family lot of the Fairview Cemetery in Camp Crook, SD.


Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 10, 2017, at the Stevenson Funeral Home in Ekalaka with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday one hour prior to the service in Camp Crook.


Benjamin Folsom Padden was born July 1, 1931 in Camp Crook, SD to Easton Elzie and Sylvia Mary (Davis) Padden at the home of his grandparents, Willard and May Padden.  His grandmother, Bonefield, served as midwife.  He attended elementary school at Rema and Plainview, and later 8
th
grade and high school in Ekalaka, MT.  After graduation he returned to the family ranch where he spent his life.  He married his true love, Dorothy Mae Brewer, on June 25, 1956.  To this union four children were born: Gwendolyn Leah, Bryce Henry, Lorraine Kay and Brett Easton.  Benny led an active life up until his passing on March 4, 2017.


Benny and Dorothy opened their home and hearts to family and friends over the years and received great joy in hosting parties, social events, and hunting and fishing outings for family.  The door was always open, coffee was hot and he was ready for visits, stories and lots of laughter.


Benny put a lot of hard work and long days into the family ranch, in which he took great pride.  In 2016 the Padden Ranch celebrated 130 years.  He was a member of the Montana Stock Growers Association, Carter County Sheep and Cattle Growers, and served on the board of directors of the Cochran Grazing Association for over 20 years.


Always up for an adventure with his family, Benny hunted and fished in Alaska, marlin fished in Cabo San Lucas, and parasailed at Lake Tahoe.  He enjoyed playing baseball and basketball, flying, and loved the family tradition of catching catfish on the Melum Ranch.  He was always in the stands at family and community sporting events.  Watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoy his passions would always bring a smile to his face.  Above all else, Benny loved spending time with Dorothy, particularly at community dances.


He was always deeply committed to his community.  His contributions included serving on the Carter County High School and District School Boards, the organization and coaching of both youth baseball and basketball programs.  Many of the youth that participated continued playing into high school, college, and beyond.  He was also a member of the Camp Crook Methodist Church and the Masonic Ekalaka Lodge #120.


Benny was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul Davis Padden; sister and brother-in-law, Betsy May and Val Kuntz; sister and brother-in-law, Carol Electa and Gerald “Mac” McKinley.


Benny is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy of Camp Crook; children, Gwen Padden of Missoula, MT, Bryce (Dawn) Padden of Camp Crook, Lorraine (Bob) Chin of Katy, TX and Brett (Stacy) Padden of Laurel, MT.  He is also survived by grandchildren, Bryan (Kelli) Olmsted, Kevin (Lisa) Olmsted, Brandon (Ashley) Padden, B.J. (Michelle) Padden, Kelly (Spring) Padden, Kristie Chin, Erika Chin, Stephanie (Mike) Lovato, Easton Padden, Jess Padden and 12 great-grandchildren.


Padden Benny Memorial Card


Burial Date: March 11, 2017
Funeral Home Ekalaka, MT

Funeral Services:  2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 11, 2017, Camp Crook Community Center, Camp Crook, SD
Prayer Service:  7:00 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2017, Stevenson Funeral Home, Ekalaka, MT
Visitation:   6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Stevenson Funeral Home, Ekalaka, MT