Efrain  "Gene" Padron, age 74, of Lake Station, passed away Sunday, September 23, 2018 at his home surrounded by his children. He was born on July 14, 1944 in Brownsville, Texas to the late Servando and Isabel (nee Fuentes) Padron. Efrain was a 1999 retiree of Arcelor Mittal. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a First Sergeant. Efrain also enjoyed; golfing, bowling, fishing, photography, running track, working on cars and was a local pool shark.  He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Efrain is survived by his son, Efrain "Chip" (Amber) Padron; four daughters, Vikki (Kenny) Galvan Sr., Cyndi (Shane) Skees, Claudia (Andy) Anderson and Candi (Sam) Bickett, Sr.; three step children, Sandy (Mark) Lynn, Shawn (Mike) Piet and Melissa Sturgell ; 17 grandchildren; eight  great-grandchildren; six sisters, Rosemary (Anthony) Aguilar, Sylvia Padron, Hilda (Jaime) Huerta, Gracie McCollum, Debra (Dan) Garibay and Dolores (Carmelo) Calderon;  many other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Padron and his parents.

A funeral service for Efrain will take place Friday, September 28, 2018 at 11 am at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage, with Father Andrew Corona officiating. He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Portage. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 2:00pm-8:00pm  at the funeral home. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .