John (Jack) Edward Padawan passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2025 following a long illness, at age 71.
Born in Rochelle, Illinois, on April 10, 1954, Jack was adopted as an infant by Joseph and Eleanor (Entwistle) Padawan and grew up in Rockford, where he graduated from Jefferson High School in 1972. He later attended the University of Wisconsin–Platteville.
At a young age Jack discovered the musical arts, dedicating many years to the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps, first as a proud marching member and later as a respected member of the instructional staff. He especially loved writing drills for the Phantom Regiment Cadets. It was through the Regiment that Jack developed life-long friendships with so many alums of the corps including his wife.
Jack never met a baseball cap he didn't like, often wearing those reflecting his roles in the Regiment, as a Tebala Shrine Drum & Bugle Corps member, Boy Scouts of America Den Leader, member of Sons of the VFW, and longtime fan of the Chicago Cubs and Da Bears. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, and all things history related. Jack approached life with humor, kindness, and an endearing commitment to family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother. Jack is survived by his wife of 43 years, Joan, and their four sons: Joseph (Jean) of Ballwin, MO; John of Bloomington, IN; Joshua of Bloomfield, IN; and Jacob of Oolitic, IN. He was a proud grandfather to Jaden Padawan of Bloomington, IN, and Joseph, James, and Jack Padawan of Ballwin, MO. He also leaves behind his beloved pittie, Squishy.

In lieu of memorials, the family asks that you consider donating blood in Jack's honor. SUTA