When 62-year-old Joe Padgett walks down West Street in Greensburg, people notice.
But it’s not because he is trying to draw attention to himself. Rather, Padgett is simply utilizing his walker, which has undergone a small transformation since it arrived in his hands.
The walker has been modified and outfitted with turn signals, rear view mirrors and a bicycle horn. Powered by four C batteries, the turn signals are able to alert anyone behind Padgett on his next direction. The horn can forewarn anyone who might be standing in his way, while the mirrors allow him to be cautious around other walkers. A vanity plate on the front, with a picture of a tiny devil, suggests “I’m the dude that made you do it.”
“I did it so the neighbors would think I’m crazy,” Padgett jested.
Fortunately, the neighbors know that Padgett isn’t really crazy. He has been around Greensburg all of his life.
Padgett was born in Rushville and raised in Williamstown. When he was a teenager, he moved to Indianapolis and then joined the U.S. Army. Following his service, he moved to Greensburg.
“I’ve only been here 28 years,” Padgett said. “I moved to Greensburg, met (my wife) and stayed here.”
His new pride and joy, the modified walker, rarely leaves his side.
“It was just something to have fun with,” Padgett explained. “The VA (Veteran’s Administration) gave me the walker, and I just thought I’d put something on it.”
When he was younger, Joe Padgett spent a lot of his time working on small engines and automobiles. Because he is disabled, Padgett can’t do that kind of work anymore, but he does manage to find an outlet for his creativity and passion.
“It’s just tinkering,” he said.
Padgett has spent most of his life working, but now he has time to work on his hobbies, and fishing is right at the top of the list. It was his tinkering that led to the invention of the much-improved walker.
Joe Padgett credited much of his success to his wife, Joan.
“She’s a sweet woman,” he said. “She’s got to be to put up with me for this many years.”
While most wives might roll their eyes when their husbands leave the house proudly sporting a walker with turn signals, Joan doesn’t.
“She thinks it’s funny,” Joe Padgett said.
On longer trips outdoors, Padgett often utilizes his scooter. But when he is visiting his neighbors and friends nearby, he makes use of the walker.
“I have fun,” he said.
Going on short walks with his wife means Joe Padgett is never alone. In August, Joe and Joan Padgett will be celebrating their 29th wedding anniversary.
“It’s been a good 29 years,” Joe Padgett said.
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