James Henry Padgett, Jr.

James Henry Padgett, Jr. , 80, of Gonzales, passed away on Sunday, June 7th, 2026, in Austin, Texas. He was born on August 17, 1945, in Gonzales, Texas to Vera Thorn and James Henry Padgett, Sr.. Born and raised in Gonzales, Texas, he also attended school and graduated from Gonzales High School in 1963.

He worked at the hospital here in Gonzales when he was just 16 years old, he also worked at Boothes chicken farm, and lastly he worked at Holly Farms now known as Tyson, driving trucks and working in the feed mill for over 30 years.

He was in the Knights of Colombus here in Gonzales, Texas, for many years. He was also a member of St. James Catholic Church, and also a member of the Hermann Sons Organization for over 60 years. He resided in Gonzales all of his adult life, cherishing the community that was always home to him.

James was married to Dolores Malatek for 25 years, until her passing in 1991 after her battle with cancer. Together they had their three sons James Henry Padgett III, Brian Keith Padgett and Dustin Shane Padgett.

As time went on, he later met and married Gayle Malatek, where he gained two stepdaughters Kimberly DeLeon and Jessica Malatek, 2 step granddaughters , 4 step great granddaughters and 2 step grandsons.

Lastly, he spent 17 years with his life partner Suzanne Richardson, until her passing in 2025.

In his earlier years, he loved to go out to his grandfather’s place, where the Gonzales Memorial Hospital now takes place, where he loved to hunt and fish. He also loved attending every Malatek family reunion that usually took place at the Hermann Sons Hall.

Henry was a caretaker to many of his loved ones, he always extended himself to see that they were always being taken care of. Whether it was staying home and keeping them company or taking them to their doctors’ appointments.

James is survived by his sons; James Henry Padgett III, Brian Keith Padgett and Dustin Shane Padgett. He is also survived by his brother Raymond Edgar Padgett and his wife Gladys, out of Paige, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Dolores Malatek.

A visitation will be held at St. James Catholic Church on Saturday, June 27th, 2026, from 9:00am to 9:30am, with reciting of the rosary at 9:30am. The Memorial Mass for James Henry Padgett, Jr. will follow at 10:00am officiated by Rev. Jason Martini. Interment of ashes will take place after the memorial mass at St. James Catholic Cemetery.

Family and friends may leave their condolences online by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com All services are under the care and direction of Seydler – Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales, Texas.