Eulalio Montalvo "Lalo" Camarillo

1930 - 2025

Eulalio Montalvo "Lalo" Camarillo
08/06/1930 - 07/16/2025
Eulalio Montalvo "Lalo" Camarillo of Midland, Texas passed away on July 16, 2025 at 94 years of age. He had been a resident of the Big Spring VA Hospital for the last several years. Lalo was born on August 6, 1930, in Combes, Texas to Petra Montalvo and Eugenio Camarillo.
Lalo met Berta Sanchez at a dance following a high school football game. Accepting a wager that he did not lose, he extended his hand to Berta for a dance that night, and subsequently in marriage. They married in 1950. After a stint in the army during the Korean War he moved his lovely wife and their two children to Midland to begin his career in law enforcement.
He was the second Spanish speaking officer with the Midland Police Department and frequently worked with the courts to provide bilingual assistance. In those early years, he built a photography darkroom in his small home on Ruby Street to provide forensic support for the department. Lalo later earned his associate degree and was promoted to Sergeant. He eventually headed the department's Crime Prevention Unit, a position he held until his retirement in January 1993.
He asserted the importance of community engagement in preventing crime and, along with his partner, Officer Benton, initiated many community programs. Lalo served nineteen civic organizations, empowering individuals and driving positive change for Midlanders. He received numerous commendations and awards including Excellence in Crime Prevention/Midland City Council, Outstanding Hispanic Law Officer/ Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 1985, the Liberty Bell Award/Young Lawyers Association, 1980, Outstanding Crime Prevention Agency, 1982, and Outstanding Officer in his Division, 1987.
An outdoorsman at heart, Lalo was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed many hobbies including numismatics, photography, taxidermy, and treasure hunting, especially in the Mexican desert. He would occasionally swim the Rio Grande to a small village where he and a friend would investigate tales of hidden treasure.
Since the early 1950's, he and Berta lovingly gave their time and efforts to St. Ann's Church where he joined the Knights of Columbus. They delivered Meals on Wheels and worked with Saint Vincent de Paul donating and delivering supplies to the less fortunate both in Midland and to the missions in Mexico. Lalo gave generously to FOP and the police department, and gave funding and support to Safe Place, a local shelter for battered women and children.
Before her passing in 2024, Berta and Lalo were happily married for 74 years. Lalo is preceded in death by his wife and dance partner Berta, as well as his siblings Enrique, Eva and Francisco, his half-brother Eugenio, his departed grandchildren, Jeffrey and Zachary Boruff, Rachel Landau- Camarillo, and great grandson, Brooks Mauermann. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Diane (Scott) Boruff, Ceasar (Tamar) Camarillo, Cynthia (Michael) Harrell, and Carlos (Sarah) Camarillo. Also, his grandchildren Lindsay Mauermann, Kayla, Jennifer Spencer, Dave, Audrey and Hannah Camarillo, Noa and Miriam Landau-Camarillo, Jeremiah Blair, and great grandchildren Owen Camarillo, Nora and Cullen Spencer, and Miah Blair.
Lalo was a humble, unassuming man who will forever be remembered for his even temperament, non-judgmental manner, and unconditional kindness. He taught his children the values of family unity, responsibility, compassion and fortitude through fearless, personal examples.
He first met Berta on the night his teammates wagered that he would not ask her to dance. Back then, they were just kids, full of promise and hope. Decades later, on the night before his passing, he told his daughter, Cyndye, that he was going to take Berta to the dance. He said he wanted to go home. She told him that if he wanted to go, that his family would be ok and not to worry. They understood because... he had a dance to go to. He passed peacefully that morning.
He was brave and strong and true, and he filled the world with love his whole life through. May he rest in well-deserved peace.
Arrangements were under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.