Joaquin G. Santos

HUTCHINSON - Santos, Joaquin G. (John), 93, died August 13, 2010 in Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born February 17, 1917 in Agana, Guam, the son of Francisco and Rosa Santos. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1939 and retired from active duty in 1958, at which time he transferred to the Fleet Reserve. He served on a number of ships during WWII. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor, having served on the U.S.S. Nevada on December 7, 1941. After retiring from the navy, he made his home in Hutchinson where he worked at Bond Bakery, retiring after 20 years. He then spent 12 years as a groundskeeper at Fairlawn Burial Park, retiring in 1991. On August 20, 1948 he married Gilberta A. Durette in Waukegan, Illinois. She died April 12, 1971. He married Elaine Dick on August 9, 1986 in Buhler, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include his children: Dr. Joaquin G. Santos Jr. (Margaret), Wichita; Michael R. Santos (Kim), Lawrence; Janet A. Hallford (John), Hutchinson; Laraine Santos, Merriam; Trudi Nelsen, Gardner; Tami Aleman (Tom), Gardner. He had a stepson, Dwayne Dick (Janet), Hutchinson, and a stepdaughter, Cheryl Woodson, Warrensville Heights, Ohio. He had 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A son, Reginald Santos, and a granddaughter, Julia Hallford, preceded him in death. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Monday, August 16 with the family present to receive friends immediately following at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 17 at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, Hutchinson with Father Nicholas Voelker presiding. A military burial will follow at Penwell-Gable Cemetery, Hutchinson. Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to Hospice House or St. Teresa's Catholic Church in care of the mortuary. Please visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave personal condolences for the family.