Charles “Chuck” Padula

Charles “Chuck” F. Padula 68, lifelong resident of Smelterville, Idaho, passed away to be with his brother Dave Padula and mother Evelyn Ross Padula, and all his beloved, departed pets on September 27, 2018 at Kootenai Hospital. Chuck is survived by his brother John Padula, sister Lorna and brother-in-law Bob Oberg, father Loren Padula, and extended family*. Also, his sweetheart of 20 years, Judi Binkley and his “adopted” daughter Heather.

Chuck graduated from Kellogg Senior High in 1968. He was co-captain of the football team and involved in school politics.

Chuck received many medals and commendations for bravery and valor in his 6 years as a Marine in Vietnam.

Chuck was a Senior Technician for the Idaho Department of Transportation with over 30 years of service; and served as a Smelterville City Council member.

Chuck was a man who was good humored in the face of adversity (he joked he was kind, generous AND humble) and nicknames, aka “Bulldog” or “Pretty Boy” from his time in the Marines in Vietnam; and “Buck Coltrane” his Idaho road crew nickname. On his last day he was still teasing and joking with his special brand of self deprecating humor with his family and staff at the hospital.

Chuck will be remembered for cruising in his orange 1970 Charger, and his big heart, he told everyone close to him that he loved them. He felt the need to help folks and to rescue animals in need. Whenever, wherever Chuck saw a need it was in his nature to help. The following song was found in Chuck’s papers. He had simply written “Obituary” at the top.

Walking Tall

The world’s begun to look her age

I’ll tell you why she’s lined and gray

We read her fate on every page

Then turn our backs and walk away

Why can’t we stand

join hand in hand

It’s time to care

We dare not wait

And watch too long

Become too late

There’s so much hatred all around

Let’s end it now or it will roam

There’s lots of hero’s in the ground

But not enough in the home

Let’s start again

Don’t say Amen

Open your eyes and lift your head

Just help to right

The wrongs we’ve bred

Let us pray louder

Let us live prouder

And soon we’ll all

Be walking tall

-Johnny Mathis 1973

Special thanks goes out to his dedicated and beloved caregivers and friends- Brian Mendy & Tanya Shawn, Donnie Hill & Patty Rance, Debbie Mathnay, Ginger Golden, Bill Puddy, and his best friend, more like a brother, and coworker at Idaho Department of Transportation, Daryl Bewick.

As per Chuck’s request no services will be held. However, a casual celebration of his life will be at noon Saturday October 13, 2018 at the Smelterville Lions Club. Bring photos and your best stories of Chuck’s shenanigans. Chuck’s favorite meal of Hamburgers & Pepsi will be served. If so inclined, dessert, salad, or potluck to share would be greatly appreciated.

The family suggests memorials be made to Shoshone Pet Rescue

P.O. Box 884

Kellogg, ID 83837

(208) 512-3401

Shoshone-pet-rescue.org

Shoshone Funeral Services & Crematory, Kellogg, is entrusted with services. Please tell a good story about Chuck *or kindly add with our apologies, anyone or anything we have missed on his online guestbook at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com