Gene 'Bevo’ Montanez Padilla 

March 6, 1940 - Dec. 26, 2015

Gene “Bevo” Montanez Padilla died on Dec. 26, 2015, due to natural causes. Gene was born and raised in Lovell on March 6,1940, to Frank and Senona Padilla.[caption id="attachment_10804" align="alignright" width="223"] Gene 'Bevo’ Montanez Padilla[/caption]At a young age in 1958 Gene met and married the love of his life, Barbara Braunstadter. From there, they started a family and had nine children.In 1971 Gene began his career as a heavy equipment operator for the Town of Lovell. This type of work became his passion and he later moved on to Billings, California and Las Vegas, where he acquired a position with Spring Valley Plumbing.Gene dedicated his life to being a hard worker and a “Jack of all trades.” He enjoyed taking the time to teach his children his skill of fixing things and the proper way to do so. There was no cutting corners when he was around. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors whether it be fishing or hunting, and he was always buying a rifle he didn’t need.Gene was an amazing father and husband, although he was sometimes quiet. He was a generous man who never left anyone without. He also had an infectious smile that would entice any stranger to start a conversation, no matter where he went.“Our Dad, hero, mentor and our rock has left us, and although our hearts are broken, we find peace knowing that he is free from pain,” his family said. “We will miss all the love and joy you brought to our lives, Dad (Babe). Thank you for a wonderful life!“We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly; in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.”Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Senona Padilla; sisters Patricia, Mary, Maria and Felicitas; brothers Joe, Coke, Raul, Felix, Pete and Eugene; his children Adam, Timothy and Cecelia; grandson Mikie and a son-in-law Jamie.Gene is survived by his wife Barbara of 57 years; his children Michael, Tim, Jackie, Shelly (Tony) and April (Kara) of Billings; brothers Paul and John Padilla; sisters Polly and Jenny and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Cremation has taken place at Smith’s Funeral Chapel in Billings. Memorial services will be held on Jan. 16 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lovell at noon, with interment to follow at the Lovell Cemetery.