Roberto Padilla

Roberto (Bobby) Padilla, 65, of Houston, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 31, 2020. Born October 25, 1954 to Vicenta Romo and Juan Antonio Padilla, Robert was the third oldest of Vicenta and Juan’s six children. Robert attended HISD schools; Looscan Elementary, Burbank Jr. High and Sam Houston High School. He received his Associate in Applied Science degree in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration from North Harris Community College. On September 27, 1974, Robert began the most precious journey of his life when he married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Kleinecke. They met and fell in love in the 8th grade and were married for almost 46 years. Robert’s faithfulness affected all aspects of his life, including his 45-year career with Entex (CenterPoint Energy), which began in December of 1974.

One of the many blessings to his family, friends, and greater community, was that there were few things Robert could not do. His compassion, and perseverance to serve others never found a limit when there was a need present. To support his family in the early years, he would work Monday through Friday during the day at Entex, and work as a housekeeper at Foley’s Northwest, in the evening. On the weekends, Robert would work roofing and construction jobs. Never missing an opportunity to invest in others, Robert would bring his children or friends to these jobs, when able, to teach them important life skills they would need one day. His ability to get the job done, while investing in others was known wherever Robert had the opportunity to serve. His most recent CenterPoint position of Senior Serviceman allowed him to work as a First Responder, in addition to his normal duties, including mentoring younger Centerpoint Employees.

Robert was a faithful family man that loved spending time with his children, and especially adored his grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Pa-P”. Throughout the years, he could often be found coaching teams, cheering for, supporting his children and grandchildren while they participated in various extracurricular activities, and even investing into his children’s friends as he quickly “adopted them” by sacrificing for them as he would his own. His dedication to the growth of others was only limited by how many needs he was aware of in the community. Robert devoted countless hours to a variety of community organizations. He volunteered many years, and in many capacities with the Church, Girl Scouts of America, Johnson Elementary, MacArthur High School, Boy Scouts of America (BSA), and many other organizations and families. He truly enjoyed supporting his children as a Football Booster, a Band Booster and a proud FFA parent. Robert’s passion to build up leaders of tomorrow found a home with BSA, where he served faithfully as scout leader for over 32 years. He joyfully devoted himself to mentoring children into young men, to be responsible citizens, develop character, and self-reliance by teaching them values such as honesty, good citizenship, and outdoor skills. His dedication to developing the leaders of tomorrow did not go unnoticed, as he was nominated by his council for the distinguished Silver Beaver award. Among BSA awards for scout leaders, this award is truly respected as it cannot be requested, or achieved solely by the individual. One must be nominated and lobbied for by their council, after they witness community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, over many years of service. Using the United States Military as the model, silver awards are the highest awards in the Boy Scouts of America; “it is given to those who do not seek it”. Robert’s nomination was accepted and he was honored with the distinguished Silver Beaver award by the Boy Scouts of America National Council. Robert’s investment through BSA into his two sons, Leslie and Phillip Padilla, and his grandson Aidan Fake, resulted in all three of them achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Robert was tremendously proud of this accomplishment as it is the highest achievement rank attainable in the Scouts BSA Program, with less than four percent of scouts having earned this rank since its inception in 1911. Under Robert’s leadership tenure, Troop 358 saw more Eagle Scouts awarded than the entire duration of troop 358 prior to his involvement. While serving in many roles, Robert was a devoted member of Heights Church of Christ for 41 years. He worshiped his Creator with his family, and poured his self into serving weekly. After Heights transitioned, Robert continued to worship through Northwest Church of Christ.

Robert loved to travel any opportunity he could, and especially loved driving on long road trips, whether they were planned ahead of time or that last minute request of help needed across state or country from a family or friend. He was very passionate about history and loved to share his knowledge with others if there was a chance to build them up. Snoopy, John Wayne and goats always brought a smile to his face. He also enjoyed taking photographs and sharing all his pictures with his family and friends. Robert fiercely loved his family; he faithfully loved his friends; he sacrificially loved life. His greatest quality was the way he acted on his love through sacrificing for others. “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” – John 15:13.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Juan Antonio; mother, Vicenta Romo Padilla; and infant grandsons Leslie, Emilio, and Joshua Padilla. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 45 years, Elaine; daughter Kimberly and son-in-law Leon Valdivia; daughter Natalie and son-in-law Craig Colquitt; son Leslie and daughter-in-law Jessica; son, Phillip and daughter-in-law Beth. Surviving grandchildren include: Aidan Fake and wife, Arianna Grupe; Megan Fake; Nicholas Valdivia; Gideon, Annaliese, Adalyn and Elisia Padilla; and Brenna Laderer. Robert is also survived by his brother Juan Antonio and sister-in-law Mary Padilla; sisters Maria Ofelia and Regina Padilla; brothers Jose and Jesus Padilla; aunts, uncles and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Robert’s four-legged family survivors include Maximus, Xena, Calliope and Calypso.

“My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalms 139: 15-16).

If you desire to make a donation in Robert’s memory, please consider donating to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org), the Boy Scouts of America (www.BSAFoundation.org), or Robert’s personal charity of choice, Guiding Eyes for the Blind (www.GuidingEyes.org), which provides guide dogs to people with vision loss.