Joe Padilla

Joe Padilla, 86, passed on to his Home in Heaven on April 5, 2021. Joe served in the US Army and National Guard in the late 50’s. He enlisted at 22 years of age. Joe was a Signalman and Marksman. He was stationed in Germany and received a Medal of Good Conduct.

Joe had a long career as a USDA Government Meat Inspector. He was on the front page of the Rocky Mountain News in the early 80’s for his work as a Meat Inspector, which he took very seriously. Joe wrote a story about his work at Pepper’s Packing House and the big Cattle King scandal. He broke the story wide open and made the headlines. He was a writer and wrote many stories about his childhood and growing up on the farm.

After retiring from the US Department of Agriculture, Joe enjoyed tinkering in his workshop, expanding his miniature train town, making handmade scale models of his and Minerva’s home on Federal Blvd and the packing house. Joe was a handyman, to say the least. He loved working on the cabin at the mountain property, building fences, and helping others with household projects. Joe enjoyed singing karaoke with his family, dancing at weddings and reunions, teaching himself to play the guitar, long walks at the park, playing a game or two of Yahtzee at every family get together, and reading through the Bible in a year, year after year. He was faithful to read the scriptures, daily. Over the past two years he proudly read it in English and Spanish.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother Mary (Gomez) Padilla, father Emilio Padilla; sisters Sally Rodriguez, Dorothy Vasquez, Gloria Lanford, Cora Weston; brother John Padilla; and grandson Jose Rojas Manzanares.

Joe was a loving husband and father, and a proud grandpa & great grandpa. He is survived by his wife Minerva (Collins) Padilla; children Kathryn Padilla (Brian Therrien), Shirley Padilla-Martinez (Steve Martinez), Pam Padilla, Andrew Padilla (Noelle), Steven Padilla, Shane Windham (Kelly), and Sheryl (Dave Svaboda). He’s survived by three (of seven) sisters Viola Martinez (Benny Martinez recently passed), Louise Bueno (Solomon Bueno), and Judy Shaver (Bob Shaver). Joe is survived by his cousins Crecencio, Willy and many others, too numerous to name. He had many nieces and nephews all whom he loved and cared for very much. Joe had 10 grandchildren, Jose’ Rojas Manzanares, Brent Johnson (Lauren Johnson), Sheena Manzanares Gillmore (Jesse Gillmore), Adam Padilla, Alejandro Rojas, Christopher Manzanares Windham, Lauren Windham, Patrick Windham, Kylie and Avery Windham. He had 8 great grandchildren, Nathaniel Manzanares, Dylan Gillmore, Kalea Gillmore, Braxton Johnson, Xavier Johnson, Michael Johnson, Sariyah Johnson and Kayden Johnson; all of whom he adored.

Joe had numerous spiritual grandchildren over the years through his children’s church ministry. Joe’s unwavering faith in the Lord and long-standing membership at Radiance Church (formerly New Life Christian Center) was an inspiration to many. Joe has left an imprint on our hearts and an incredible legacy. He was well loved and will be deeply missed. Dad, save a place in paradise for us!

Visitation will be Monday, April 12, 2021 from 4-8pm at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3020 Federal Boulevard, Denver. Celebration of Life will be Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 11:30am with viewing an hour prior, at Radiance Church, 8301 Rosemary St., Commerce City. Private Interment at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Please share your memories of Joe and condolences with his family by signing the Tribute Wall.