Edward Padilla

Edward Padilla, 85, of El Paso, passed away on March 30, 2015, after a long battle with cancer. His family were by his side when he drifted off peacefully. He was born to Delfina and Jose Padilla on July 30th 1929 in Los Angeles, California. Mr Padilla volunteered to fight for our country in the Korean conflict aboard the USS brush DD-745 (DES.DIV.77) from 1950-1954. After his honorable discharge, he joined the El Paso Police Department. He was one of ten graduates of the first police academy. During his faithful service, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal (3 stars), the United Nations Service Medal, the China Service Medal (Extended) and the National Defense Service Medal. Known as a man of integrity,he was selected to serve as President Kennedy's exclusive security escort from June 29 to July 1, 1962 during the president's visit to Mexico to meet with the President Lopez Mateos. President Kennedy personally handed Mr. Padilla an AR-15 and told him," Go get em!" Edward is survived by his wife Bertha Padilla, his brother Jaime Padilla, his children Erick and Jacqueline Padilla, and his grandchildren Erick Michael, Max, Joshua, and Justin, several loving nieces and nephews, and many friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday April 1, 2015 from 4-9 pm with a vigil/rosary at 7 pm, At Sunset Funeral Home-East 750 N. Carolina. Scripture service will be held at Sunset Funeral Home-East on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 9:00 am. Internment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 10:30 am with military honors. The family would like to thank the Texas Oncology Center and Dr. Valilis and staff for their continuous care and support during Mr. Padilla's illness.