Tommy V. Carrillo

Tommy Valle Carrillo passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 11, 2011, after suffering a major stroke.

Tommy was born on July 5, 1941, in Riverton, Wyo., to Salvador P. Valle and Pauline Carrillo. He grew up and attended elementary and high school in Casper, Wyo. After graduating high school, Tommy served in the Marines Corp. from 1962 to 1983.

During his time in the Marines, Tommy served in Vietnam and was also stationed in Okinawa, Japan. While working at the Reserve Center in Billings, he met his soul mate and love of his life, Kathy Schutz, whom he married on May 9, 1974. Soon after marriage, Tommy and Kathy moved to California, where Tommy was stationed at Concord. Tommy and Kathy welcomed daughter Amanda to their family on March 19, 1977. Tommy retired from the Marine Corp. as Master Sergeant in 1983. Shortly thereafter, the Carrillos moved from California to Billings.

Tommy worked in Billings for Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Land Management for 25 years until his retirement in 2009. Tommy had a great and unique sense of humor. He was a devoted family man; his wife and daughter were the apples of his eye. He loved spending time with his family and walking his beloved dog Bailee. He enjoyed the outdoors and fishing with his buddies. He took great pride in restoring his vintage BMW Roadrunner motorcycle.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathy Carrillo; his daughter, Amanda (Mark Lambott); a sister, Margie; his faithful canine companion, Bailee; his "grand-dog," Jax; and his "grand-cat," Mia.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Salvador and Pauline; and by a brother, Bobby.

We would like to thank all the staff in the ICU and ICC units at Billings Clinic for their wonderful care and personal attention.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held Thursday, March 17, at 1 p.m. at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Inurnment with military honors will follow at the Yellowstone County Veterans Cemetery in Laurel. Michelotti-Sawyers is in charge of arrangements and remembrances may be shared with the family at www.michelottisawyers.com.

Poppy, we love and miss you very much. Enjoy your long walks with Gracie.