Antonio "Leandro" Padilla

Leandro A. Padilla

d. June 13, 2025

Hernandez

Leandro A. Padilla (JR), 77, a resident of Hernandez, NM, passed away on June 13, 2025, after a lengthy illness at home surrounded by his family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Leandro and Juanita Padilla; in-laws Eduardo and Adelina Salazar; brother Rosendo Padilla and sister-in-law Rosana Padilla; brothers-in-law Joe Romero, Dan Boggs and Joe Sanchez and step-son Joey Maestas.

JR is survived by his wife Evan Padilla of 22 years, his sons and daughters Steve Padilla (Elicka), Troy Padilla (Evelyn), Denise Salazar, Joanie Maestas (Jason) and daughter-in-law Marlinda Garcia. Sisters: Betty Romero, Mary Garcia (Armando), Tonie Boggs, Lucy Garcia (Johnny), Darlene Martinez (Pablo). Brothers: Dennis Padilla (Elizabeth) and Ted Padilla (Antoinette). Brother-in-law Rudy Salazar (Della). Sister-in-laws: Ermelinda Romero and Eremita Trujillo. Eleven grandchildren: Linda (Jeremy), Troy Jr., Aaron (Bryanna), Steve Jr., DeNae, Jayze, Jayden, Nehemiah, Azariah, Iszakiah, Jericho. And thirteen great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

JR was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and brother. He spent over 50 years in a career as a truck driver, which brought him so much joy. His semis were his pride and joy. Everyone knew JR in his semi-trucks and his smell of diesel. He loved God with all his heart and liked sharing Christian and Antonio Aguilar songs with his loved ones. He enjoyed playing and joking around with his grandkids. Fishing was the hobby he loved most and could not wait for the summers.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Evan (wife), Jayze (grandson) and Jason (son-in-law) for their daytime and nighttime compassionate care. And to the staff at Giving and Ambercare.

JR’s presence will surely be missed, but his memory and love will live in our hearts forever.

A Celebration of JR’s Life will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at The Rock Christian Fellowship in Espanola, NM, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at a later date.

Serving as Pallbearers are Linda, Troy Jr., Aaron, Steve Jr. Padilla, Jayze Maestas and Jason Padilla.

Honorary pallbearers are DeNae Montoya, Jayden Martinez, Nehemiah Garcia, Azariah Garcia, Iszakiah Chacon, Jericho Padilla. Deven and Lukus Garcia, BrookLyn and Aria Jimenez and Mikenzi Mondragon. Aalyanna, Jazlyn, Darius and Isabella Padilla, Jason, Unica, Shyanne and Mia Lujan. And Sammy Maestas.

The family of Antonio Padilla has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  505-747-7477