Pedro D. Cordova

CASA GRANDE - Pedro D. Cordova, 90, of Douglas died on Dec. 6, 2016, at Oasis Pavilion Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Casa Grande.

Pastor Cordova was born on Dec. 18, 1925, in Sapotal, Veracruz, Mexico, to Ciriaco and Carmen Cordova. He came to the United States as a young man under the bracero government worker program in the late 1940s. It was then that he became a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Shortly afterwards he met a beautiful young lady named Damacia Cardenas. After a short courtship they married on Oct. 2, 1949. They had 11 children, six girls and five boys.

He pastored churches in Casa Grande, Coolidge and Willcox for 20 years. The Assemblies of God awarded him a plaque for 50 years of preaching the word of God in July 2010. Even though he battled different illnesses later in life, he was strong for his age and was always joking and talking about the "one last project" he wanted to do. He was a resident of the Oasis Pavilion the last eight months of his life and made many friends with other residents and staff. He touched many through his friendship. He loved to talk to anyone who would listen. He would give away what he had to help someone in need and was a proud man who worked hard to provide for his family. Through very difficult times, he never liked taking a handout from anyone, not even the government.

He and Damacia were married for 67 years. Their children are Ruth Cordova Ibarra, Esther Cordova (died at 3 months), Ruben Cordova, Neomi Kelly, Pete Cordova Jr., Rachel Southerd, Roger Cordova, Teresita Cordova (died at 3 months), David Cordova (died in 2016), Paul Cordova and Lucy Ortega. They had 27 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. He outlived all three of his sisters.

Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Centro Cristiano Emanuel in Eloy. The funeral will be there at 10 a.m. Wednesday, with Pastor Pete Cordova officiating. Burial will be in Eloy Memorial Park.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Valley Chapel is in charge of arrangements.