Floyd Alfonso Padilla

Floyd Alfonso Padilla passed away suddenly on Sunday July 1, 2012 in Santa Rosa, NM. Floyd was born in Puerto de Luna, NM, to the home of Alfonso and Nora Padilla, he was the eldest of 13 children. Floyd made Santa Rosa his home for most of his life. After high school, he attended school in Colorado. Floyd enlisted in the US Army, he completed basic training in Virginia. He served in Korea where he was awarded the Korean, United Nations, and National Defense Service medals. In 1955 Floyd married Juanita Elena (Helen) Madrid, they made their home in Amarillo, TX where Floyd worked in construction for a few years. They returned to Santa Rosa where Floyd was employed as a city policeman. Floyd and Helen owned and operated several businesses including the Pecos Bar & Grocery and Mateo’s Restaurant. Floyd was elected multiple times as municipal judge and served several terms on the Santa Rosa School Board. He was a past member of the Lodgers Tax Board and a member of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion. Floyd and Helen retired in 2003 and maintained homes near family in Santa Rosa and Albuquerque. Floyd was a loving and caring husband; father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. Floyd will be remembered for his warm personality and gentle and kind nature. He loved being around friends and family. Floyd loved playing golf, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and family get-togethers. For the past several years, Floyd worked for the Albuquerque Public Schools as a crossing guard. He formed many friendships in the Albuquerque area. Floyd is survived by his children, Shirley and Jonathan Prince, Catherine Cave-Evans and Steve Griego, Susan and Frank Lueras, Rose and Robert Delgado, Carol and Alfredo Gonzales, Melissa Padilla, and Patrick and Paula Padilla; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters; Flora Garcia, Agneda Casaus, Vera and David Estrada, Maria and Joe Villanueva, Judy Myklak, Orlando and Cindy Padilla, Larry and Barbara Padilla, Victor and Margaret Padilla, sisters in law, Cecelia Padilla and Linda Padilla. Floyd was preceded in death by his wife of over 57 years, Helen on June 2, 2012, son Floyd, Jr., grandson Ivan Cave, and son-in-law Craig Cave; his mother Nora and father Alfonso Padilla, and brothers Daniel, Gilbert, and Reynaldo Padilla; Hilario Padilla, brothers-in-law Gilbert Casaus, and Raul Garcia. Rosary services will be held at 7:00 PM Thursday, July 5, 2012 from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Friday, July 6, 2012 from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Santa Rosa. Pallbearers will be his grandsons Geno Higgins, Domenic Cave, Omar Gonzales, David Lueras, Francisco Padilla, Tobias Padilla, Louis Flores, and Dr. Ray Collins. Honorary pallbearers are his many friends throughout New Mexico. All Services for Mr. Padilla have been entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street, Santa Rosa, NM, 88435, (575) 472-3369. To place an online tribute please visit our website at www.chavezfuneralhome.com.