SOLON – Earl Padham passed away Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005, at Togus VA Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 26, 1925, in Solon, the son of Vernie Ridson and Dorothy (Ward) Padham. He attended school in Solon and joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1943, serving in World War II until April of 1946. He married the former Gloria Croteau in 1946. Earl spent a lot of his time caring for his draft horses, which he used working in the woods. In the summer he entered in horse pulls at fairs around the state and sometimes beyond. He won many awards documenting his success in this sport. In 2001, he was one of a select few who qualified for an International Horse Pull in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. He placed second. Earl enjoyed playing pool and spending time with his friends and was employed at Solon Manufacturing for many years as a wood buyer. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Gloria; his only brother, Norris and his wife, Birdena, of Madison; two sons, Richard Padham and his wife, Ann, of Solon and Reginald Padham and his wife, Brenda, of Embden; one daughter, Dorothy Dunphy and her husband, Robert, of Embden; eight grandchildren, Donald Padham, Jeffery Padham, Stacy Blanchet, Melissa Miller, Hether Forsten, Patrick Dunphy, Pamela Lattin and Kelly Suitor; two special nieces, Jane Ouderkirk and Ellen Levay; 15 great-grandchildren and his very loving dog, Abby. Visiting hours will be 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at Giberson Funeral Home, 18 River St., Bingham. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, at Solon Congregational Church in Solon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Earl’s memory to Togus VA Medical Center. Arrangements are with Giberson Funeral Home, 18 River St., Bingham, ME 04920.
EARL PADHAM
