A Tulsa minister killed two years ago is remembered

Thursday, June 2nd 2005, 7:24 pm

By: News On 6

Remembering a slain minister as we get close to the anniversary of his death. Friday will be two years since Pastor Neaco Padillow was shot and killed outside a Tulsa elementary school.

Thursday, that school honored Padillow with a special observance. News on 6 anchor Craig Day was there.

To the family members and friends of Neaco Padillow, the voices of these young people mean so much. Equally touching is the tribute these school children have for the murdered minister.

Padillowâ€™s aunt Jewel Hooks: "I miss him. The powerhouse that he was. But I know God had a better place for him. And we know that."

A young oak in front of the school stands as a memorial for Neaco Padillow. Padillowâ€™s brother Greg Hawkins: "The public and the community can see the growth of the tree that's because the tree is going to represent the growth and the vision of what this community needs."

Neaco Padillow was the minister at Zion Fellowship Church. He was shot in the head and killed as he waited for a niece outside Burroughs Elementary in June of 2003. When people drive in front of Burrough's Elementary School and look over at the location where Pastor Neaco Padillow was killed, it's hoped they don't think of sorrow.

But that they will look over at the new tree and think of how Padillow touched so many people. Padillowâ€™s brother Calvin Hawkins: "the tree means strength, love, peace and all of it. Everyday you pass by here and you will say hey, that's Pastor Padillow standing." As the tree grows and its limbs reach out, family members say they will remember how Neaco Padillow reached out to others and how he had an impact on his family and community.

Two years after the murder, Neaco Padillow's killer hasn't been caught. Anyone with information that could help investigators is asked to call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS.