Leandro Cordova

Leandro Cordova passed away March 16, 2004 at the Eastern New Mexico Medical Center in Roswell, NM follwing an illness. Leandro was born July 8, 1919 in Sombrillo, NM to the home of Frutoso and Francisca Chavez Cordova. He married Betty Cordova in 1945 in Santa Rosa. Leandro owned and opertated his own business. Through the years he owned or operated the Del Rey Cafe, Rio Pecos Truckstop, Borens Restaurant, Cordova's Furniture and Western Auto. Leandro was a City Counselor for two terms and was active in promoting city projects. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5146, the American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the St. Rose of Lima Parish in Santa Rosa. Leandro served in the United States Army during WWII. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Agenda Lopez, Marcelina Delgado and Celina Lopez, brothers Justiniano Cordova and Antonio Cordova. Survivors include his wife Betty Cordova, children, Daughter Sonia Raftery and husband Timothy of Roswell, NM, Lalo Padilla and wife Ramona of Vaughn, NM. Grandchildren, Louie Padilla, Albert Padilla, Eliza Romero, Hiram Morales. Great Grandchildren Erica Padilla, Dennica Padilla, Janelle Padilla, Julia Sanchez, Sammuel Lee Padilla, Anne Marie Padilla and great great grandchildren Darion Rose Faulkner and Ciana Rose Faulkner and a special nephew that he raised Maguin Padilla. Also surviving are his brothers Onesimo Cordova and wife Angie and his sister Tomasita Barber of Florence, Alabama. Rosary services will be held on Thursday evening at 7:00 from St. Rose of Lima Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebreated on Friday at 10:00 AM from St. Rose Church with Father Nick Nichols officiating. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Joseph Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Gilbert Gomez, Fernie Chavez, Larry Padilla, Maguin Padilla, Antonio Cordova, Alonzo Padilla. All services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa