Jesus Padilla

Jesus M. Padilla, 103, of Topeka, died December 5, 2009 at Rolling Hills Health Care Center.

He was born in Quiroga, Michoacan, Mexico on October 17, 1906 the son of Martin and Maria (Medina) Padilla.  Jesus emigrated from Mexico on October 12, 1926 to be reunited with his mother in Topeka.

He began working for the Santa Fe Railway Company in 1928 and retired in 1971 where he worked in the Track Department. 

Jesus enjoyed telling stories of his young life in Mexico and later in the United States.  Mr. Padilla was very fond of keeping a nice garden filled with vegetables and flowers well after his retirement that he shared with family, friends and neighbors.  After his retirement he would assist his neighbors, especially the elderly, with sweeping and cutting their grass. 

Jesus was featured in the Topeka Capital Journal on January 1, 2003.  He was recognized by TV personality, Willard Scott of NBC for the milestone of his 100th birthday as well as receiving certificates from the Santa Fe, Governor Sibelius and President Bush.

He married his next door neighbor Luisa Alonzo on February 4, 1930 in Leon GTO, Mexico.  She preceded him in death on November 5, 1992.  He is also preceded in death by his only son, Alfredo A. Padilla on October 3, 2009 and his daughter-in-law Elena (Terrones) Padilla on November 10, 2009.  He is survived by two grandsons, Jose Padilla and Victor Padilla, eight grandchildren, Elizabeth, Joshua, Andrew, Sarah, Megan, Victor Jr., Jazzmine, and Trevor and two great granddaughters, Alicia and Natalia.

Jesus will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where a rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.