CARLOS SANTOS

Carlos Augusto Santos, 85, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at the Compassionate Care Center in El Paso. He was a founding parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. At the church, he served as a Lector, and was also heavily involved in the church Ministry and weekend retreats. He also volunteered at church functions and was a much-loved member of his community. He worked at Caterpillar (CAT) as a master mechanic for 42 years of service in Los Angeles, Chihuahua, and El Paso, as well as numerous other locations throughout Mexico and the US. At CAT, he repaired heavy equipment and was involved in the construction of the Pan American Highway (Carretera Panamericana), Los Angeles International Airport, Castaic Dam, and The LA Grapevine. He also served as an advisor and service consultant to numerous clients in the US and Mexico. Carlos was an avid sporting enthusiast and enjoyed playing soccer and baseball. He also bowled in several leagues. He spent his retirement years creating lovely works of art in wood as a member of the Woodworkersâ?? Club. He eventually became a scroll-saw master, creating seemingly impossibly detailed sculptures in wood. He was born in Guadalupe, Zacatecas, Mexico on February 26, 1928. He is preceded in death by his father, Jesus Santos Izaguirre, his mother, Maria de la Luz Viamontes de Santos, his sisters, Alejandra and Georgina, and his brother Raul. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elena Alicia Martinez de Santos, his son, Professor Carlos A. Santos, his daughter-in-law Deborah, his sister, Mercedes, His brother, Gonzalo, and many loving and caring cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of El Paso and the Compassionate Care Center for their loving care during Carlosâ?? journey to a better life. Visitation for Mr. Santos will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home-Carolina with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 17, 2014 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 10970 Bywood Drive, El Paso, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the American Cancer Society and or the Alzheimerâ??s Organization. Services under the direction of HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME 1060 Carolina Dr. 598-3332