Frederick Arthur "Butch" Badgero Sr.

Gastonia - Frederick Arthur Butch Badgero, Sr., 63, of 1835 Arkary St., passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at Carolina Medical Center. A native of Buncombe County, he had resided in Gastonia for the past 18 years. He was a family man who loved his kids and fishing. Butch was the greatest Dad in the world. Butch was the son of Mary Louise Michaels Ballew and husband (his Dad) Arthur Ballew and the late Arthur Ernest Badgero. He was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Jimmy and Paul Ballew. In addition to his Mom and Dad, surviving are his children: Anita Vardiman and husband Rodney of Woodfin, Melissa Badgero of Leicester, Frederick Badgero, Jr. and fiance Jennifer of Asheville, Christopher Badgero and fianc Kim Atchley of Gastonia, Danielle Badgero and fianc David Page of Gastonia, Cameron Badgero of Gastonia and Brenda Badgero of Gastonia; 8 grandchildren; sisters: Mary Carroll and husband Bill of Asheville, Beatrice "Twinkle" Keller of Charlotte, Elaine Paz and husband Bonnie of Asheville, Sandy Badgero of Michigan, Brenda Gabbard of Michigan, and Pat Lafontaine of Michigan; brothers: Ronnie Ballew of Oakley, Joe Badgero of Florida, Jack Badgero of Michigan, and John Badgero of Michigan; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Saturday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, with the Rev. Roger Kuykendall officiating. Burial will follow in the Bent Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-9 PM Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Frederick Badgero, Sr. Fund, c/o Anita Vardiman, 83 Northside Drive, Asheville, NC 28804, to assist with funeral expenses.