George Eben Badgett

Vigil service: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City.

Rite of Committal: Custer County Cemetery.

George Eben Badgett, age 65, of Miles City passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2008 at the Holy Rosary Health Center of an apparent heart attack after a great day of doing what he loved, attending a rodeo.

George was born in Miles City, Montana on May 20, 1943, the son of Kirk and Lora (Daily) Badgett. He attended country grade school at Willow Crossing Country School and attended high school in Miles City. He didn't finish high school in order to pursue his life as a stockman, cowboy and horseman. Later in life, he proudly attained his GED and continued his education.

George married Judy Gatlin in Broadus, Montana on July 2, 1965. To this union, two children were born: George Jay and Wendy. They ranched on Otter Creek until 1997. During this time, he also worked twenty-five years with Peabody Coal at Colstrip.

George had many passions which he pursued throughout his lifetime. Rodeo was his first love as he competed for thirty-five years. At various stages in his career, he entered every event, but excelled in bareback riding and calf roping. He always had a life long interest in airplanes, becoming a pilot as a young man. Later in life, this evolved into building and flying remote control airplanes. He loved fishing and many people have fond memories of trips taken with him.

George made his own saddles and tack as well as being an excellent welder and a handy carpenter. Over the years, he owned four race horses and proudly displayed their win pictures. He loved studying race programs and making bets on his favorites. He attained a blue belt in Karate and spent enough time golfing to get frustrated.

It goes without saying that when George put his mind to something, it was going to be done thoroughly. There wasnt a day that went by that he didn't have planned to the max.

George is survived by his son, George Jay (Misti) Badgett and daughter, Wendy (Ross) Bekkedahl both of Billings, MT. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Samantha, Elle and Jaymee; one brother, Wally (Pam) Badgett of Miles City, MT; one sister, Karen (Steve) Hamilton of Fallbrook, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Jim Clark.

A vigil service will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visitingwww.stevensonandsons.com.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Range Riders Museum or the charity of one's choice.