Charles L. Padilla of Santa Fe died at home surrounded by loved ones on June 18th at the age of 69. Charles was a proud father and grandfather, devoted husband, loyal brother, and good neighbor. He was a successful insurance man, published writer, and accomplished horseman.

In his life Charles was a go-getter. In his 50-year career with Northwestern Mutual he was in the top 400 advisors of all time in the company's 160-year history. Though he always said he was an 'aspiring cowboy' he was in actuality an accomplished horseman qualifying for the World Show in Ranch Horse Versatility 6 times. In his downtime, he wrote extensively about his upbringing in Mora, NM and his family's rich heritage, spanning over 400 years in northern NM.

If you knew him, you knew his passions centered around his children, the love of his life, Jan Hamilton, and being of service to his community. After fourteen years of courtship, Charles and Jan were married in a private ceremony in December of 2020. Of all his achievements, Charles was most proud of being a dad and watching his two children lead productive and adventurous lives. He was overjoyed by the birth of his first granddaughter, Amelia in October of 2020.

He is survived by his children, Michael Padilla and wife Maria Gonzales, Kristen Padilla and husband Zachary Conroy and granddaughter Amelia Conroy, his wife Jan Hamilton, stepson Bobby Hamilton and wife Megan Hamilton, and step grandchildren Blair and Lilly Hamilton. Brothers Ernest and Ray Padilla, sisters, Elaine and Dennis Juarros, Patricia and Rick Romero, Doris and Rudy Carrasco, and Marian Padilla, and 19 nieces and nephews

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Amadeo J. and Viola M. Padilla, and his brother Robert J. Padilla.

A public viewing will be held on Wednesday June 23, 2021 from 10:00am until 3:00pm at the Rogers Chapel.

Services will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe with a viewing and rosary on Wednesday the 23rd at 5:30pm and a Mass on Thursday, the 24th at 10am. Interment will be held at Rosario Cemetery following the mass. The following will be serving as pallbearers, Zachary Conroy, Bobby Hamilton, Tom Cohen, Arnoldo Carillo, Donny Imus and Paul Pacheco. Honorary pallbeares are, Ray Padilla, Ernie Padilla, Dennis Juarros, Rudy Carrasco and Richard Romero.

In lieu of flowers, Charles wished donations be made to the New Mexico Highlands University Foundation, 905 University Ave. Las Vegas, NM 87701

Arrangements are entrusted to and are under the direction of the Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Ave Las Vegas, NM 1-800-479-3511, rogersmortuarynm.com