Dr. Bennie A. Padilla Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Dr. Bennie Padilla passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2020, at the age of 94. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Dr. Padilla’s family at www.andersonbethany.com. On October 18, 1926, Dr. Padilla was born in Pintada, New Mexico, to Miquela Apodaca and Rosendo Padilla. He was the youngest of ten children. Preceding Dr. Padilla in death are his sisters: Stella Gomez, Betty Cordova, and Victoria Garcia; brothers: Maguin Padilla, Antonio Padilla, Ramon Padilla, Charlie Padilla, Joe Padilla, Lauriano Padilla. Dr. Padilla was a Veteran in the U.S. Army. He received a bachelor’s degree, two master's degrees, and a Ph.D. from La Universidad Interamericana in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, in 1968. Dr. Padilla was a faithful Catholic and a member of the Assumption Catholic Church in Roswell, NM. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Surviving Dr. Padilla is his wife, Lorraine Marquez Padilla of Dilia, New Mexico. They were married in May of 1952 and were married for sixty-eight years and had four children: daughters Cynthia Garcia married to Nick Garcia, Bonnie Lou Padilla; and two sons Andre Padilla and significant other Nancy Lara, Alonzo Padilla and late partner Pam Harrell, all of Roswell NM. Bennie had four grandsons: Charlie Bell of Albuquerque, NM, Dominic Bell and significant other Caitlin Short and their daughter Desirae Bell of Roswell, NM, Leroy Bell (father of Charlie and Dominic) of Roswell, NM, Scotty Straley of Las Cruces, NM, Angelo Padilla and wife Jennifer Padilla and their son Angelo Bennie Padilla of Ventura, CA. Dr. Padilla will be remembered by many of his nieces and nephews that he helped throughout their educational challenges and guidance throughout their lives. By nature, his love for animals was a big part of his life and gave him much joy, especially his best friend Pee-Wee. Dr. Padilla’s career included working with the Civil Service in Cuzco and Lima, Peru. He was a professor at NMMI, ENMU-R, University of Saltillo, Mexico, and taught with New Mexico Public Schools. During his career, he and his family lived in South America. Due to the current circumstances at this time there will be a private service for the immediate family only. Dr. Padilla’s tribute was written in his honor by his family.

Dr. Bennie A. Padilla

October 18, 1926 - November 15, 2020