Carlos DeAnda Jr.

1938 - 2020

Carlos DeAnda, Jr., 82, of Topeka, Kansas, peacefully passed away on July 17, 2020. He is survived by his wife Suke DeAnda of Topeka; two daughters Lori and Karen (Shannon); two sons Bryan and Jin Hee; two grandsons Jeremy and Alex; and three great-grandchildren.

He was born on May 6, 1938 in Dallas, Texas, the son of Carlos Sr. and Ninfa DeAnda. He had two brothers and four sisters.

Carlos grew up modestly in Dallas, Texas, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. His early memories include working at the age of 8 selling concessions at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, where he sold popcorn and enjoyed watching the game on the low bench where he was called "Popcorn Boy."

When the Korean War began in 1950, Carlos wanted to enlist but was too young. Eventually, fifty years later, he made it to Korea where he met his wife Suke.

Carlos enlisted in the United States Air Force Strategic Team and was stationed in Salina, Kansas. He worked on B47 Bombers and SLTH bombers. His duty responsibilities included working on many high level projects. He was stationed in many places all over the world. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force. After his discharge he was involved in projects with Raytheon, Northrop Grumman and Boeing.

He was a member of the Arab Shrine and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was an Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Topeka. He was an architect, a car racer, and a golfer. Carlos also enjoyed aircraft repair. He possessed the high level skills necessary to maintain and fly planes. He had a friendly competition with his father about who possessed the greater carpentry skills. Carlos Jr. was truly a man's man.

The family wishes to extend gratitude to all of Carlos's caregivers at the Veterans' Administration Hospital, The Legacy on Tenth Avenue, Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital, KU Med Center and Avalon Hospice; as well as the church family, friends and neighbors. You are all angels.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers sympathy cards and letters may be sent to the family in care of Dove Southwest, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, Kansas, 66610.