Francisco "Pancho" Padilla, a retired Pot Tender of 30 years for Reynolds Metals Company, passed away March 31, 2009. He was 84.

"Pancho" was born on May 22, 1924, in Mercedes, Texas to Demetrio and Amparo Abrego Padilla. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a WWII Veteran. In 1952, Corpus Christi, Texas became his home.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Trinidad Padilla of Corpus Christi, Texas; a son: Frank C. Padilla of Grand Prairie, Texas; a daughter: Nellie (Dario) Encinia of Sinton, Texas; a sister: Bertha Gonzalez of Corpus Christi, Texas; 10 grandchildren: Gloria, Maria, Dario, Celestina, Monica, Christina, David, and Daniel Encinia, Rene and David Valls; 13 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents; a son, Gilbert Padilla: and a daughter, Rachel Valls.

Visitation will begin Friday, April 3, 2009, 10:00 AM. A rosary will be recited April 3, 2009, 7:00 PM, Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel, Sinton. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 4, 2009, 11:00 AM, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Sinton with Father Shaji Varghese as celebrant. Burial to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Corpus Christi, Texas.

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