Richard Carlos Santos, age 47 of Yakima, passed away unexpectedly July 11, 2018 after suffering a heart attack while jogging. Richard was born on November 24, 1970 in Yakima, WA and lived most of his life here. After graduating from Davis High School in 1989 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in which he served for five years as a Corporal. Later he served in the United States Army as a Specialist for three years, proudly serving his country for a total of eight years.
During his time in the service, Richard earned twelve awards to include: the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, a Combat Action Ribbon (Kuwait), and a Navy Unit Commendation Medal while serving in the Marines; and from the Army he notably earned the Army Accommodation medal and an Army Achievement medal.
For nearly 20 years, Richard worked for Shields Bag & Printing Co. and was a dedicated employee who will be remembered by co-workers as a kind, helpful, humble, hardworking crew member. Recently, he had made a career change as he decided to fulfill his life-time goal of becoming a corrections officer at the Yakima County Jail. He was excited to follow in the footsteps of his father and sister into law enforcement.
In 1997, Richard married Nora (Caceres) Santos in Yakima, WA, and together they have three daughters, Nikki (26), Jasmin (13), and Alize (10). His daughters remember him as an ever present and supportive dad who would show up to all sports games, band concerts and school activities, even after working a 12 -hour shift.
Friends and family will remember Richard as a funny, kind, generous man who would help anyone who asked on a moment’s notice, and how much he loved to bend metal by hand and lift weights; he will be greatly missed by all.
Surviving family members include his mother, Norma Ulrey of Yakima, his brothers: David Gamet, Paul (Brandy) Santos, Greg Santos, Joey Santos, and Marcello Mesa; his sisters: Ruby Robles, Angel Santos, Mary Santos, Teresa (David) Soto, and Lorie Aguon, and his many nieces and nephews.
Richard is preceded in death by his father, Roque Santos and sister Christine Miranda.
The viewing service will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA on Wednesday, July 18th from 4pm-8pm. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 19th at Abundant Life Church, 1014 S. Fair Ave., Yakima, WA at 11am. A celebration of life luncheon will follow at The VFW Post, 118 S. 5th Ave. Yakima, WA.
To share a memory of Richard, please visit www.keithandkeith.com
