Freddie Lee Badger

Freddie Lee Badger was born in Allendale County, South Carolina, to 19 year old Estelle Johnston and 20 year old Clinton Badger. He was the eldest of five children and his early life was a struggle. Freddie was taken out of school in the third grade so he could help his dad work on the farm. They were share-croppers. He said once he was carrying water out to the fields and he saw a big plume of black smoke. It was coming toward him so fast he dropped the water and started running. He ran as fast as he could but the smoke and noise overtook him. He fell to the ground and a huge black engine passed him by. He later found out, it was a train!

Freddie left the farm in the late 40's and enlisted in the Army of the United States. After a few years and an Honorable discharge he promptly enlisted in the United States Air Force. Freddie met Mollie- the love of his life- in Anniston, Alabama. Freddie's Aunt Queen held a small going-away party before he headed off to serve in Japan. Mollie was one of the guests. Freddie invited her to see a movie that evening but Mollie said she already had a date. Freddie went to the movies and sat behind them! They wrote each other letters and were married on March 27, 1952, in Greenville, South Carolina. Their union produced three fabulous children- Fred Jr., Valerie, and Patricia.

Over the next 10 years they lived in Alabama, Illinois, and Michigan. In the early 60's Freddie was assigned to Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Spangdahlem, Germany. The family loved living in Europe and over the next five years visited every country in the region. Freddie and Mollie made sure their children were exposed to the arts and many cultures. They made many friends and continued those relationships back in the states.

Freddie retired from the Air Force in 1970 and the family settled in Colorado. I heard we were on our way to California but the car broke down in Denver. After seeing the beautiful sun rise and sun set in the Rockies, Freddie and Mollie decided Denver was the place for them. Freddie immediately got a retired position at Lowry Air Force Base and eventually worked in security for Douglas County Schools.

Freddie was active in politics and socialized with Colorado governors and senators, and served on numerous Democratic committees. He and Mollie liked to party and always had visitors at the house in Park Hill. Freddie enjoyed photography, participating in 4H and animal husbandry, and growing a variety of fruit and vegetables. He also had fun building their retirement home in Parker.

Freddie went back to school and earned his high school diploma and an Associates Degree in Transportation Management. In addition to Honorable discharges from both the Army and the AirForce, he earned numerous other accolades including the Notable Achievement Award, the Sustained Superior Performance Award and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He always worked hard and he did it with a smile.

Freddie Lee Badger was a good son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He was born on St Valentine Day and maybe that is why he was so kind and generous. Even at 94 years old he was still thinking of others.

Freddie loved Jesus Christ, he loved Mollie and his children. He loved his son-in-law Rick, his grandsons Sean and Mitch and his great grandson Reign. He loved the western stock show and the county fair, he loved chicken and rice and beans and gravy. He loved tractors and paying his bills on-time.

Freddie loved his siblings, all who preceded him in death- Ernestein, Roosevelt, Rumell and Baby Queen. He loved all of his nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. May God Bless all of you.

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