Kenneth Ray Badman, 75, of Taylorville, died on Friday, July 31, 2020, at 11:45 a.m. at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.
Visitation will be held Monday, Aug. 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Morrisonville. Those attending are asked to adhere to CDC guidelines by wearing masks and social distancing. Only 50 guests will be allowed to visit with the family at a time. A private family funeral ceremony will be held, followed by interment with military honors at Anderson Cemetery in Palmer.
Mr. Badman was born July 12, 1945, in Moweaqua, to Leonard and Margaret “Maggie” (Stockon) Badman. He married Barbara Shanks in 1967, and they later divorced. He then married H. Dayle Nelson on Dec. 9, 2007, in Lincoln, and she survives.
He graduated from Morrisonville High School, then proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served during Vietnam, and attained the rank of Corporal before his honorable discharge in 1968.
Following Mr. Badman’s service, he worked as a mechanic in California and coached little league while he was there. Upon his return to Illinois, he and his father operated Shell Station in Taylorville until 1973.
He then worked as a long-haul truck driver for 47 years and spent later years as a bus driver for the Taylorville School District.
Mr. Badman had a famous sweet tooth, never enjoying too many Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup F5’s from Tastee Treat. He enjoyed working on trucks in his spare time, but he enjoyed being a dad and grandpa the most. He was also a member of the Morrisonville United Methodist Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Jeff (wife Tara) Graham of Stonington, Lisa (husband David) Durbin of Palmer, Kenny (wife Jodie) Badman and Terri (husband Phillip) Deal, both of Morrisonville; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Tiffani and Jaden Graham, Ashley Lowis, Corey (wife Kalie) Badman, Mackenzie (husband Justin) Drone and Alex, Austin, Adam and Alaina Deal; great-grandchildren, Allison and Luke Lowis and Lane Badman; brothers, Jimmy (wife Sue) Badman and Billy (wife Nita) Badman, both of Palmer; sisters, Janet Davis of Palmer, Connie (husband Tony) Cook of Pana and Vickie (husband Tom) Grundy of Morrisonville; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Badman was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Darren Durbin; and brother-in-law, Cayle “Fuzz” Davis.
Memorials may be directed to Morrisonville-Palmer Fire Protection District, 204 SE 6th Street, Morrisonville, IL 62546 or Bear Creek Community Club, PO Box 18, Palmer, IL 62556. Donations of food may be made to the Palmer Community Building on Tuesday morning, Aug. 4.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com.
