Alfred "Al" Eugene Badgett passed away peacefully at 3:58 a.m. on May 4, 2018 at the VA Mountain View Living Center surrounded by his family.

He was born on March 19, 1930 to Mark and Edith Badgett in Sheridan. Al began his work ethics very early in life starting with paper routes, working at the Wigwam Bakery, tending to a large garden on Emerson Street, and always doing good deeds for neighbors, friends, and family.

At the age of 12, Al's dad took him to town one day to apply for a job at George Scales Motor Company. He worked there for 2 years and then started employment with Rhodes/Cook Ford. After high school graduation, Al served in the Army from 1951 to 1953 and became an M.P. with the rank of Corporal 1st Class. He was stationed in Panama during the Korean Conflict. After completing his tour of duty, he returned to Cook Ford and later became Parts Manager. While at Cook Ford, Al met Ruth Barnhart who was the bookkeeper for Mr. Cook and Harvey Johnston. On December 18, 1953, Al and Ruth got married and were together for 64 ½ years. He retired after 50 years of service at Cook Ford.

As an avid sportsman, Al enjoyed hunting and fishing. He always caught his limit of 20 Rainbow or Brown Trout. Every October during hunting season, Al was the head cook at the Red Springs Hunting Camp in the Big Horn Mountains. Hunters from all over visited the Camp and enjoyed Al's meals and entertainment.

Al was a member of the First Baptist Church, Masonic Lodge #43 (Past Master), Order of Eastern Star Friendship Chapter #51 (Past Worthy Patron), Scottish Rite, York Rite, Knights Templar, Royal Order of Jesters, Kalif Shrine (Past Potentate), Kalif Klown Unit (Past President), American Legion, and the Elks. In 1987, wearing his buckskin attire, Al was the Grand Parade Marshall for the Sheridan WYO Rodeo Parade

As a Mason, Al conducted over 300 Masonic Funerals for his deceased Brothers. He was gifted with a special spiritual connection from His Lord and Savior. He lived by the Masonic principles of improving the lives of others and being a man of integrity, honesty, and character. He was devoted to family, involved in his community, helpful to all, and believed in God.

"Big Al", a man of many hats, was a good-hearted, fun loving man who would give the shirt off his back and expect nothing in return. Al was known for his compassion, kindness, and Christian values. Always looking out for others, he gave of his time and energy to lend a hand to those who needed assistance with caregiving, running errands, lawn mowing, tending to flower beds and gardens, providing transportation, and delivering meals.

Throughout the community, Al was known for his volunteer work with many organizations. He served on the Boards of the Salvation Army and The Dog and Cat Shelter for over 25 years. Through Eastern Star, he helped with Our Lunch Together. For many years, Al sold plants and pies for the annual VA fundraising projects, and devoted many hours taking patients to Chapel Service and to appointments. In addition, Al enjoyed entertaining children at the annual 5-Year Old's Birthday Party at the Sheridan Memorial Hospital. On many occasions, he drove the Kalif Shrine Klown Firetruck dressed as a Clown, Moose, Snoopy, or Mickey Mouse, providing much joy and laughter to children and adults. Fourth of July weekend picnics were hosted by Al and Ruth at their cabin for family and friends, followed by Al's spectacular fireworks display on the Old Dump Road.

Al is survived by his loving wife, Ruth, his 2 furry companions, Bridgette and Jewel (Little One), sisters Virginia (Ginny) Hannum and Maurine Badgett, sister-in-laws Carolyn Badgett and Judith Badgett, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Al was preceded in death by his parents Mark and Edith, maternal grandparents Oliver and Mattie Blaney, paternal grandparents George Bolin and Margaret Wilson Badgett, infant sister Barbara Jane, brothers Floyd (Jody), Mark, Tubby (Rose), and Art, brother-in-law Philip Hannum, niece Angel Golson Showers, and nephew Stephen Badgett.

A celebration of Al's life to include a Masonic Service will be held Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 3179 Big Horn Avenue, in Sheridan, WY with Pastor Chuck Gifford and Chaplain Arden Haeffner officiating. A reception will follow in the Church Youth Room. After the reception, Military Honors will be held at the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery, Masonic Lodge #43. The Kalif Klowns will transport Al's urn on the Firetruck to his resting place.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of A.E. "Al" Badgett to the charity or organization of one's choice.

The family would like to thank the staff of the VA Mountain View Living Center for Al's care.

Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.

On-line condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.

SheridanMedia.com - May 15, 2018.