Claude Everett Padgett III

Claude Everett Padgett III, age 81, passed away May 11, 2021. He was born to Claude Everett Padgett, Jr. and La Verne Shotwell Padgett on July 22, 1939 in Sherman, TX. Known to family and friends as “C.E.”, he graduated from W. B. Ray high school class of 1957, followed by an A.A. at Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, a D.D.S. at The University of Texas Dental Branch, Houston, an M.A. at The University of Texas at San Antonio, an M.B.A. at Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, and lastly, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA., as a Robert Wood Johnson Dental Services Research Scholar. 

C.E.‘s professional experiences spanned from family practitioner, a Colonel in the United States Air Force, corporate executive, to his true professional love, medical school Professor and adjunct Professor. He believed education was a key to upward mobility and opportunity. In his final years, he loved meeting and questioning every young adult about their higher educational plans. He truly enjoyed meeting with interns entering the medical profession and would gladly talk to them for endless hours. His files are filled with letters from students expressing their appreciation of his mentorship and friendship. Of the numerous letters, one summed it up by saying, “C.E. is the reason I wanted to be a doctor. “ Years later this former student was honored by the Texas Academy of General Dentistry as the 2011 Dentist of the Year, one of the most prestigious honors a Texas dentist can earn. 

C.E. loved the outdoors, golf, all dogs, the Dallas Cowboys, and EVERYTHING regarding The University of Texas. Hook ‘Em, Dad! 

Claude Everett Padgett is preceded in death by his parents, Claude Padgett, Jr. (Mildred), La Verne Cervenka (Chevy); and his infant son, Collins Bernard Padgett. 

He is survived by his children, Brad Padgett of Corpus Christi, Camille McClendon of Austin; his brother, Dr. Tom Padgett (Jo Ann) of Boulder CO.; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, all who loved him dearly.  

Reflecting on his numerous commencement addresses, one recurring theme was always present, “Do good, be kind and you can never learn too much.”

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Seaside Reid Chapel with an inurnment to follow.

The Padgett Family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift contribution to the Dr. Phil and Karen Hunke Special Care Clinic to support Dental Education, Patient Care, and Research.  Gifts can be made online at:  https://makelivesbetter.uthscsa.edu/soddonate

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.