REFUGIO "PETE" PADILLA

Refugio “Pete” Padilla was born in Lampasas, Texas on June 16, 1946 and died on Monday, November 30, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Center, Devils Lake after a long battle with ALS. Pete spent 2 years in the Army and 20 years in the Air Force. After his honorable discharge from the service, Pete went to college and got a degree in social work. He dedicated many years of his life, helping other Veterans and their families. He served on the Board of U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. He was the Commander of the DAV Chapter (Disabled American Veterans) in Devils Lake for two years, just a few of the many causes he was part of in his life time. Anyone who knew Pete knew he was always there for them, working to help them anyway he could and always with a generous, kind and loving heart. Pete is survived by his beloved wife Bonnie whom he married on August 27, 2011; his children Howie (Julie) Padilla, Kathy (Jay) Hooks and Becca Fredricks; step sons Scott (Lisa) Hawley and Darrin (Shelly) Hawley; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; five step grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; sisters Dolores Hernandez and Josie Padilla and his faithful feline companion, Sombra. He was preceded in death by his parents Leonila M. and Refugio Padilla Sr., a brother and three sisters. Memorials in memory of Pete may be directed to any Veterans Project or toys for children programs. Funeral Services for Pete will be held on Friday, December 4, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Tom Westcott officiating. Burial will be in Devils Lake Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Neathery-Simenson Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team.