Roger (Smiley) Steven Padilla, 73, died peacefully on June 12, 2023, at his home in Trinidad, Colorado. He was born September 17, 1949, in North Fork, Colorado, the son of Jose Antonio Padilla and Maria Rebecca (Martinez) Padilla.
Roger attended Primero High School as well as Trinidad State Junior College where he was certified in auto body and upholstery. He served with the United States Army in Saigon during Vietnam. After returning home, he was employed for many years by Las Animas County and Leone’s Sand and Gravel. Roger enjoyed being a truck driver, restoring old cars, hunting, fishing, and watching old Western movies. He loved being with his family and was a dedicated and loving father and grandfather, who was always there for anyone who needed him.
Preceding him in death are Jose Antonio Padilla and Maria Rebecca (Martinez) Padilla; sisters Asencionita Veroninda Vialpondo, Toni Sanders, Bessie Vajellos, and Margie Padilla; brothers Edwin Padilla, Charles Padilla, Tophilo Padilla, and Philbert Padilla. He is survived by daughter Hope (Pete) Decker of Pueblo, CO; son JonPaul (Grace) Padilla if Trinidad, CO; grandchildren Aubrey (Brad) Woodruff of Aguilar, CO, Juandiego Decker of Pueblo, CO, Flora Marie Decker of Pueblo, CO, and Laurin Padilla of Montana; great-granddaughter Karina Woodruff; brother Joe (Shine) Padilla of Trinidad, CO; sisters Ida (James) Lucero if Arvada, CO, and Faye (John) Lopez of Trinidad, CO; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Honorary pallbearers are JonPaul Padilla, Pete Decker, Juandiego Decker, Aubrey Decker, Flora Marie Decker, and John Lopez.
Visitation will be held at Comi Funeral Home, 1804 East Main St. Trinidad, CO, on Wednesday, June 21, from 3-7 pm. Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Church, 135 Church St. Trinidad, CO on Thursday, June 22 at 10 am with Interment immediately following at Tercio Cemetery, in Stonewall, CO. Reception will be announced when details are available.
Arrangements were made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
