1951-2023
Kenton E. “Ken” Badger, age 72 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at Ascension-St. Vinc ent Hospital in Indianapolis following a sudden illness at home. He was born March 8, 1951 in Elwood, the son of Howard E. and Leatha M. (Phillips) Badger. Kenny was a 1969 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. He married the love of his life, Fonda R. Mountcastle on June 21, 1974, and they shared over 49 years of marriage together raising beloved sons. Ken was a Senior Firefighter for the City of Elwood and Elwood Fire Department for 27 years and retired in 2012. He was well-respected as a fireman and a leader within the department. Ken was a faithful member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Elwood where he served as a Trustee and Treasurer for the church. He loved the Lord, serving his church, and helping other people any way he could.
Ken was a member of the Elwood Conservation Club, board member for the Madison County (ATF) Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Board, and secretary o f the Fireman’s Pension Board. He also enjoyed coaching Pee-Wee Baseball for many years when his sons were younger.
More than anything, Ken was a devoted husband, father, and papaw who loved nothing more than spending time with his family. Ken’s family legacy includes his wife, Fonda Badger of Elwood; 2 sons, Brock J. Badger of Elwood and Brent C. Badger of Dallas, TX; 3 siblings, Debbie (Spencer) Judd of Anderson, Howard “Bud” Badger of Elwood, and Janet Shields; beloved granddaughter, Zoe Badger whom he adored; 6 siblings-in-law, James (Lois) Mountcastle of North Carolina, Richard A. Mountcastle of Park County, Dan (Sue) Mountcastle of Crawfordsville, Zara Pearl Lawson of Warsaw, Carol Sue (Phil) Krider of Warsaw, and Joyce Ann Jones of Elwood; sister-in-law, Bev Mountcastle (widow of Jack); and several nieces and nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings-inlaw, Myrna Haulk and Jack Mountcastle. A memorial service celebrating Ken’s life and legacy will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 3:00 pm at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Phillip Rogers officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 to 3 pm prior to the memorial service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Fireman Honors and Last Call will be provided by the Elwood Fire Department. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Church of the Nazarene. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.
