Obituary of Bubba Badgett
Dale Ralph “Bubba” Badgett (66) lifelong resident of St. Maries, ID passed away at Benewah Community Hospital on May 29, 2023. He was born to Virgil “Jake” and Rosalie Badgett on June 11, 1956 in St. Maries. Bubba grew up in St. Maries where he excelled in wrestling and football in his school days. He graduated from St. Maries High School with the class of 1974.
Following high school, Bubba went to work for Carney Pole, Potlatch Corporation, and Jack Buell Trucking. He then took on various logging jobs in the area until a stroke paralyzed him on his right side and he wasn’t able to work anymore. Bubba spent a lot of time with his dog Six and he loved that dog unconditionally. Any and all children had Bubba wrapped around their fingers. He was a gruff guy, but when it came to volunteering for kids or spoiling them with popsicles, he turned into a bit of a softy. He spent several years keeping score for wrestling and football and volunteered as an umpire for St. Maries Little League.
Although Bubba became disabled and paralyzed after his stroke, he sure didn’t let that slow him down. Fishing was a passion of his, and prior to his stroke, he built beautiful fishing rods and tied his own flies. Some of the kids in his family were blessed to be given a fishing pole from him. Since his stroke, he learned to do all of this one handed, left-handed and his determination and skills were impressive. He would not share his fishing knowledge or secrets with anyone, and figured they were better off if they learned them on their own. Bubba later ended up in a wheelchair, but that did not stop him from getting around and fishing, including one time his wheelchair wouldn’t move and his family ended up having to unwrap miles of fishing line from the wheels of the chair. He was stubbornly independent, marched to the beat of his own drum, and self-professed made the best potato salad ever made.
Bubba is survived by his mother Rose Badgett of St. Maries, ID; siblings Kelvin (Karen) Badgett, Barry (Shannon) Badgett, Carolyn (Jerry) Wicks, and Sam (Dianna) Badgett all of St. Maries, ID; 7 nieces and nephews; and 10 great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Jake Badgett and sister Bernadine Badgett.
At Bubba’s request, there will be no services and per his wishes his ashes will be spread in one of his most favorite fishing holes. If you would like to donate in Bubba's memory, please send contributions to St. Maries Wrestling Club c/o Josh Harvey 1121 Lincoln Ave, St Maries, ID 83861.
