Robert "Bobby" Padilla

With family at his side, Robert "Bobby" Padilla died Sunday afternoon, September 18, 2016, at his home in Lakeside, Navajo County, Arizona.  He was 66 years old.  Affectionately known as Bobby, he was born on Saturday, December 17, 1949, to his parents, the late Herbert Antonio Padilla, Sr., and Didia Martinez Padilla.Born and reared in Florence, Bobby always said he "had a wonderful childhood" and that he wished that, "everyone could have had his upbringing."  The Padilla family lived on a farm and they all worked hard to till their land and grow beautiful crops.  Theirs' was a family that was taught, by example, the true meaning of working "by the sweat of their brow."  They also knew the value of hard work; a value that has, since, served them well.Bobby was a graduated member of Florence Union High School's Class of 1968.  After he graduated, Bobby enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in Alameda, California.  Bobby received an honorable discharge from the Navy after faithfully serving for 2 years.  When he returned to Florence, he worked for a few years as a policeman. Bobby was blessed with a great musical talent.  In his younger years, he was the lead for a band called "The Apollos." He had the opportunity to tour throughout the state with his bandmates and, in so doing, made many lifelong friends along the way.  In 1989, Bobby began a new chapter in his life when he received the Lord, and accepted Him as his Savior.  During this sacred time, Bobby began a new career path and started the Bobby Padilla Ministries with his wife, Sheila.  Together, they shared the Good News of the Gospel through their music.  Then, one by one, as their kids were born, they, too, joined their parents in the ministry.  They were able to share their message of hope to congregations throughout Arizona and its neighboring states and were even able bless the lives of others in Mexico.   He and his family have provided worship music for hundreds and thousands of services during the past 27 years and have administered to many thousands of people through the message of their music and, quite literally, have been the answer to many, many prayers.  Throughout his ministry, Bobby was always happy whenever his path crossed with those of his friends from "The Apollos" era, as they sat amongst his congregations.Nothing would make Bobby or his family happier than, whenever others think of him that: #1.  They know that he loved God and that he ALWAYS put Him first; #2. He loved his family; #3.  He loved his ministry.  These were the three constants that brought him true joy and happiness throughout his extraordinary life.         Bobby is survived by his wife, Sheila Padilla of Lakeside, Arizona; 5 children:  Rob Padilla of Show Low, Arizona, Mark Padilla of Show Low, Arizona, Adam Padilla of Lakeside, Arizona, Claire Padilla of Lakeside, Arizona, Nathan Padilla of Lakeside, Arizona; 5 grandchildren:  Jessica Padilla, Malik Padilla, Anthony Padilla, Peyton Padilla, Alyx Padilla; his brother, Herbert (Olivia "Bebe") Padilla, Jr., of Florence, Arizona; his sister, Bernice Padilla of Pueblo, Colorado; brothers and sisters-in-law:  Eric (Cristina) Mitchell of Pima, Arizona, Pam (Neil) Karnes of Safford, Arizona, Kim (Richard "Bubba") Hall of Sheridan, Wyoming and is also survived by his father-in-law, Charles Mitchell of Safford, Arizona. Preceded in death by his Mother-in-law, Margarete Mitchell, of Safford, Arizona.Bobby's funeral service will begin promptly at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, September 24, 2016, at The Living Church, 3072 Lockwood Drive in Lakeside, Arizona.  The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Lakeside Cemetery in Lakeside, Arizona.