David O. Padilla

David Padilla, 78, was born in Kerman, CA to Carlos and Dolores Padilla, he was raised in Kerman with his three brothers and six sisters. He developed valley fever when he was 14 years old and was homeschooled for about a year. During that time, he learned how to play the trumpet and would practice playing the song “Cherry pink and apple blossom white”, daily to strengthen his lungs.

David graduated from Kerman high school and enlisted in the Army. He was in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970 where our mom would send him care packages filled with things he needed and favorite Hershey bars.

When he returned from the service, he purchased a blue 1968 chevy Camaro which he spent hours cleaning to take it cruising in town.

Davis met and married Helen in Kerman and they moved to Calipatria, they had two daughters, Mary Helen and Elvia and after some time they returned to Fresno. There David improved his knowledge of the Bible and read from it daily practicing the word of the Lord.

David worked as a postal worker, fax bus driver and a paraprofessional for Fresno Unified school district. His last job was 8 years working for turners’ security in Fresno. There wasn’t a place in town where he didn’t remember working, he knew downtown Fresno very well.

Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and reluctantly left his job with the security force. He moved into the Veterans home of California meeting and making friends with other veterans and staff. He will be missed by all who knew him. David was greatly loved by his daughters, Grandchildren, brother and sisters.

We will miss him terribly, but he is at peace with his Lord Jesus Christ.

David is survived by his daughters: Mary Helen and her son’s, Isaiah, Christian, Jayden, Elvia, daughter Isabella son Jacob

Also survived by brother Richard O. Padilla, sisters: Sallie Padilla, Josie Arredondo (James), Lupe Padilla (John), Linda Arredondo (David). Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death: Father Carlos Padilla Mom Dolores Padilla, Brothers Carlos Padilla Jr, Jack Padilla, Sisters: Margie Jaquez (Rey)(Jesse) Jennie Rodriguez (Raul) Nieces Elaine Jaquez, Carol Padilla