John M. Padilla

John M. Padilla was 78 years old and a longtime resident of Odessa, Texas. He passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa surrounded by the love of his family.

John was born on January 4, 1948, in Roswell, New Mexico. He was the son of Juanita Talavera Padilla and Marshall Padilla. He later made Odessa his home where he worked for many years as an operator with Weatherford ALS Wholesale before retiring.

A man of deep faith, John was a devoted member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Odessa. He faithfully served as an Usher and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. His love for God guided his life and was reflected in the way he cared for others.

John had a zest for life that those around him will never forget. Strangers were never strangers around John, he welcomed people with a smile and made them feel like family. He loved cruising around town on his Harley-Davidson, music playing loud wherever he went. John loved football and especially enjoyed cheering on his Miami Dolphins. He was a true handyman who could fix just about anything and found happiness in building projects for his wife, making knickknacks for himself and creating special gifts for his family. His kitchen was often filled with oldies playing loud enough to be felt as much as heard, along with the aroma of his famous breakfast burritos and homemade biscuits that were favorites of his grandchildren and cherished great-granddaughter.

Above all else, he loved his family. He was devoted to them and always willing to do whatever was needed. That love was returned wholeheartedly, as his family was his greatest pride and joy.

John has been lovingly reunited with his parents, Marshall and Juanita Padilla and his treasured siblings, Nathan, Jerry, Freddie, Nellie and Nancy Padilla.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 54 years, Elfida Padilla of Odessa. He will be deeply missed by his daughters Sandra Padilla and Jennifer Primera, along with her husband Eric, all of Odessa. Always by his side was his faithful companion and beloved fur buddy, Harley. He also leaves behind his sisters Lena Padilla of Roswell, New Mexico and Ruth Vallejos along with her husband Ernie of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was a proud grandfather to Julee Primera, Dimitrik Primera and AAliyah Primera, all of Odessa and a devoted great-grandfather to Elexa Lozano of Odessa, whom he adored deeply.

Family and friends are invited to gather and remember John on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in the 24 Hour Chapel at Acres West Funeral Chapel in Odessa. The Rosary will be prayed that evening at 7:00 p.m., offering a quiet time of reflection, prayer and shared love.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, a place close to John's heart. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, where he will be laid to rest as he is welcomed into Heaven.

Serving as pallbearers will be his godchildren: Juanita "Baby Doll" Padilla, Venesa Garcia, Atalie Dominguez, Omar Dominguez Jr., Jonathon Berry, Manuel Calderon Jr., Patrick Arredondo, Jden Natividad, Brylen Natividad, and Ethan Mireles.