Johnny Merejildo Padilla

August 29, 1944 - August 9, 2021

Johnny Merejildo Padilla passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2021, in Roswell, New Mexico. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Johnny’s loved ones at www.andersonbethany.com. On August 29, 1944, Johnny was born to Eulalio Padilla and Josaphine Herrera in Carrizozo, New Mexico. After graduating from High School, he enlisted in the United States Army. During Johnny’s military service, he fought in the Vietnam War and was awarded a Bronze Medal and NDSM, EXP M- 16, VSM, VCM, 2OS, and BARS. He was a proud Veteran whose heart was to serve his country until he was honorably discharged after getting wounded. Prior to retirement, Johnny worked as a Corrections Officer for over twenty years. His favorite pastime was working on vehicles, playing the slots at the casino, and going for a ride to the mountains. Those left to cherish Johnny’s memory are his loving wife, Josefina Padilla; children: Charles E. Thompson Jr, Lorraine Thompson, Shastity Fisher (Jonathan), and Erick Thompson; ten grandchildren: Charles B. Thompson, Suzanne Thompson, Angelo Thompson, Crystal Thompson, Isaiah Fisher (Deanna), Kiara Fisher, Joshua Fisher, Danielle Thompson, Sebastian Thompson, Bianca Thompson; nine great-grandchildren; siblings: Fernando Padilla, Albert Padilla (Lucy), Bobby Padilla, Mable Fuentes (Nick), and Virginia Vega; as well as several nieces and nephews. Johnny is preceded in death by his parents: Eulalio Padilla and Josaphine Herrera; brothers: Pete Padilla and Jesus Padilla and Nellie Padilla; and sisters: Beatrice Barelas and Nellie Gallegos. Those blessed to serve at Honorary Pallbearers are Charles F. Thompson Jr, Isaiah Fisher, and Sebastian Thompson. Graveside service for Johnny will be held at General Douglas L. McBride Veterans Cemetery on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at 10:00 AM. Those honored to serve at Pallbearers are all of Johnny’s grandchildren.