Alfredo A. Padilla
Alfredo A. Padilla, 78, of Leavenworth, passed away
Saturday, (Oct. 3, 2009) at his residence. Alfredo was born on Feb. 23, 1931,
to Jesus and Luisa (Alonzo) Padilla in Topeka. He attended Branner Annex and
Lincoln grade schools, East Topeka Junior. High, and Topeka High School, and
graduated from Washburn University in June of 1958. He was united in marriage
to Elena M. Terrones on Aug. 3, 1957 in Newton. He joined a U.S. Army Medical
Reserve Unit in 1951 and enlisted in the U.S. Air on May 26, 1952. He served on
active duty until March 15, 1956, at Parks AFB, Calif.; Francis E. Warren AFB,
Cheyenne, Wyo.; Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C.; McClellan AFB, Sacramento,
Calif.; and two years at Showa AFB, Japan.
Upon graduation from Washburn University, he was
commissioned to 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force Reserves. He retired from the
Reserves in February, 1991 with the dual rank of technical sergeant and major.
His awards included the Korean Service Medal; U.N. Service Medal; the National
Defense Service Medal; Army and Air Force Good Conduct Medals; and several
meritorious unit commendations.
His civilian career included working for the U.S. Census
Bureau in Pittsburg and the Department of Justice at the U.S. Federal
Penitentiary in Leavenworth, retiring after 31 years of civil service. He
retired on Jan. 3, 1986. He later retired from the Kansas Social and Rehab
Services in Leavenworth on Feb. 28, 1996.
He was very active with the American Legion and served Byron
H. Mehl Post No. 23 as commander from 1971-72. In November 1993, he was
co-grand marshall of the Leavenworth County Veterans Day Parade. He was an avid
sports fan and served as post baseball chairman for many years. He was honored
on June 1, 1997, by having the main field at the Leavenworth Sports Field
Complex named Padilla Field.
He was most proud of the "Welcome To" sign which
adorns the field.
His memberships included life membership of the Byron H.
Mehl Post No. 23 and George Edward White VFW Post No. 56 in Leavenworth. He
also was a member of the Knights of Columbus; Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 55;
Voiture No. 1163 40 et 8; NARFE; AARP; St. Joseph Mens Society; and Federal
Prison Retirees Association.
He was preceded in death by his mother Luisa Padilla. He is
survived by his wife Elena, of the home; his father Jesus Padilla of Topeka;
his sons Jose Padilla of Leavenworth and Victor Padilla of Topeka; and his
grandchildren: Elizabeth, Sarah, Joshua, Andrew, Megan, Victor, Jazzmin and
Trevor.A
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on
Monday, October 12, 2009 at St. Joseph Church, Leavenworth, with Father David
McEvoy O. Carm officiating.
There will be a luncheon following the service at the
American Legion Post 23, 418 Cherokee; in Leavenworth.
Burial will follow the luncheon at 3 p.m. at Mount Calvary
Cemetery, 801 S.W. Westchester, Topeka at 3:00 pm with full military honors. A
visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2009 with the family
receiving friends from 5 to 8 pm at the funeral home. There will be a rosary at
6 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial
contributions be made to St. Joseph Church or the American Legion youth
programs.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Belden-Larkin Funeral
Home and Cremation Services in Leavenworth. Condolences may be sent to
www.beldenlarkin.com
