Frank L. Padilla

Frank L. Padilla, Sr., 83, of Topeka, died January 16, 2013 at Midland Hospice House surrounded by his family. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on September 17, 1929 the son of Joaquin and Paula Padilla. Frank worked for various construction companies and especially enjoyed working at Wagner Construction Company. He was a mechanic and owned and operated Plass DX Service Station at 10th and Plass for over ten years. He was a transportation driver for LULAC for ten years and after leaving LULAC he operated Frank?s Lawn Service until the age of 80. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and will be most remembered for his kind and gentle way and for always being the first to help out anyone in need. Frank enjoyed tinkering on mowers and could fix anything. He taught himself, Chinese, French and some German and also how to play the guitar, accordion and keyboard. Frank married Mollie Del Hierro at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on September 22, 1949. They shared over 63 years together. She survives. He is also survived by his children, Anita (Bill) Bywater of E. Greenbush, NY, Richard (Sue) Padilla, Frank (Dee) Padilla, Jr. and Joe Padilla all of Topeka, Kansas. He has seven siblings, John Padilla, Antonia Martinez both of Topeka, Alfonso Padilla of KC, KS, Severina Padilla, Virginia Lara and Juanita Padilla all of Topeka, and Louis Padilla of KC, KS. Ten grandchildren; Angel, Billy, Bryan, Rob, Ryan, Melissa, Andrew, Rebekah, Ty and Mallory and eleven great grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters; Helen Marie Padilla in infancy and Patty Padilla-Quinley, and a sister, Margerita Padilla who was a member of the Sisters of Charity in Leavenworth. Frank will lie in state at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Friday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Cremation will follow. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Midland Care Hospice or Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.