Lee Marcus Padilla Jr.

He was born in Hoehne, Colorado April 13, 1931 to Lee Maricio and Josephina Padilla. He is preceded in death by Mary, his wife of 58 years before her passing in 2011, and granddaughter Natalie Padilla in 2022.

Survived by only sibling Lucy Taylor (Earl) of Pueblo, Colorado; Children Linda (Dennis) Cunico, Pat (Elaine Lloyd) Padilla, Marcus (Pat) Padilla and Lisa Jo Padilla.

Grandchildren: Jim Elson III (Kaila), Lisa Cunico (Matt), Nicholas Cunico, Kathleen Cunico (Tony); Marcus (Emily) Padilla, Victoria (William) Lasiter, Vanessa (Alton) Simones; David (Kristen) Padilla; Jeremy (Ann ) Lloyd, Bradley (Ava) Lloyd.

Great- Grandchildren: Reese and Brock Elson; Brylei and Ivy Padilla; Liam Padilla; Lorenzo and Rosemary Padilla; Jayde and Diesyl Lasiter; Aiden, Adriana and Isabella Simones; Tristan and Ryker Lloyd; Andrew and Celeste Lloyd.

At age sixteen, Lee joined the U.S. Navy for active service from 1948-1952, and was awarded the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Medal. Through the Navy College Program, dad earned his college degree.

Retiring after 38 years from CF& I, his last years there as a Foreman for Materials Handling, while also serving on various committees. He & Mary enjoyed dancing and traveling on trips with a group of friends who were more like family.

As a member of St. Leander Catholic Church in Pueblo for over 50 years, Lee shared his time and talents as a Eucharistic Minister for his church community assembly and the homebound and those in nursing homes. He was also an Altar Server.

Lee also was known as a dedicated, hard-working and versatile handyman for people on fixed incomes, and also assisting with Meals On Wheels Program through the Pueblo SRDA.

Very proud of his service with the Knights of Columbus, he received the honors of the Fourth Degree. He was appointed to the office of Financial Secretary of St. Leander Council No 2222 in 2004. He was also an American Legion member.

With his quiet personality, animals-dogs, cats, goats, horses- were drawn to him, as were young kids and especially babies!

Heartfelt appreciation to dad's (and mom’s) exceptional and loving caregivers, my sisters Pat and Elaine, while they lived with them in Texas for 15 years! For the last year and a half, my dad was also lovingly cared for by Marcus and Pat in Pueblo, until his death at their home, with some of his children present.

Many thanks to Father Albeiro Herrera Ciro, St. Leander Celebrant; Music Director & Pianist Amanda Moore; Cantor Virginia Serna; Knights Of Columbus; and Pueblo Veterans Ritual Team and The United States Navy Funeral Honors team for a military presentation at graveside honoring our dad’s service.

In Lee’s own words, he wrote “ We are given an opportunity to make a difference, through service and raising money for the parish. As with fellow Knights of Columbus, you have the power to build a community where life and love unite”.

A visitation for Lee will be held Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 9:00 AM at St Leander Church Catholic Parish, 1402. E 7th Street, Pueblo, Colorado 81001. Funeral Mass to follow at 10:00 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.imperialfunerals.com for the Padilla family.