Meregildo Contrer Carrillo

Meregildo "Mike" Carrillo was born in San Angelo, Texas on April 13, 1924 under the shadow of the Lone Wolf Bridge. He was raised by his parents, Beatrice and Jose Carrillo and his loving grandparents, Juanita Bara and Jorge Contreras. His early life was filled with the hardships inherent to the times- poverty, lack of a formal education and the ravages of racism. Inspite of these hardships, Mike always believed that through hard work, honesty, kindness, community unity and faith one could shape destiny and the course of his future life.

At age 18, Mike learned to read and write English so that he could be eligible to enlist in the US Army. Once in the army he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and went on to become a highly decorated World War II hero. His honors include, two Silver Stars, a Bronze Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a Victory Medal, a European Theater Medal, an American Theater Ribbon, an Army of Occupation Medal, a French Croix de Guerre and a Combat Infantry Badge. During the rest of his life he remained a proud American citizen, voted in every election and remained a lifelong member of the VFW and the Disabled American Veterans Association.

After the war, Mike returned to San Angelo where he married Josephine "Josie" Juarez. Together, they worked to provide their daughters with a warm, loving home and to assure that they received the best educational opportunities available. Throughout his life he held a series of jobs shearing sheep, picking cotton, repairing appliances and installing cable system towers. In 1988 he retired from the Western Towers Communication Company.

In an interview for the University of Texas US Latinos and Latinas World War II Oral Project, after reflecting on his life he ended by saying, "I feel life has been good to me now that I am where I am. I think that I have achieved whatever I was supposed to achieve, I am at the top, no regrets."

Meregildo's daughters and granddaughters are deeply grateful to their father and grandfather who instilled in them the values that have been the cornerstones of their lives. From him and Josie they have inherited their appreciation of family and friends, an appreciation of learning, music, nature and community service. Grandpa Mere's life example will forever remain the compass that guides their lives and they will continue to honor his memory through song, poetry and by doing good in the world.

Meregildo is survived by his wife of 66 years, Josie Carrillo, his daughters and son-in-laws, Ernestina Carrillo and Larry Polon- Berkeley, California; Eliza and Sam Payne- San Angelo, Texas; Esther Sutton-San Antonio, Texas; two grand daughters Conchita Payne Robson and Eliana Juanita Polon and a great grand daughter, Josie Robson, and the brother of his heart, his cousin, Paul Contreras, Jr.- San Fernando, California.

The family is full of gratitude to the Familia Juarez and other extended family members and to the loving circle of lifelong friends who have accompanied them through life's joys and sorrows, to the medical staff of the VA, to the Angel's Visiting Nurses and to Mike's caretaker, Graciela Barron.

The funeral mass will take place at St. Mary's Catholic Church on February 17, 2014 at 11am and he will be interred with full military honors at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Sam Payne, Larry Polon, Roberto Villeseca, Estevan Montez, LD Whittle and George Montez.