Firmo Santiago

Firmo Santiago, 90, of Fort Smith passed from this life September 26, 2018 at his home on Fort Smith. He was born, one of twelve children, August 28, 1928 in Coamo, Puerto Rico. He was recruited at a young age by the American Army there. From Camp Tortuguero to Fort Buchanan in San Juan, Firmo was trained as a sniper and shipped out to help fight the war in Korea. After the Korean War, he was sent to Fort Chaffee. It was there where met and married Leona Morris in 1957. Firmo saw two tours of duty during the Vietnam War. He was awarded several medals, ribbons and commendations from both wars, including a Purple Heart. After 21 years in the military, Santiago retired as a sergeant.

He chose to stay in the Fort Smith area working as a carpenter, claiming he could build a house that would withstand a tornado. Firmo could speak seven languages, English, French, Vietnamese, German, Spanish, Korean, Russian and a little Japanese.

He is survived by his son, Francisco “Franky” Santiago; nieces, Mary Ann Rupple and Migdalia “Tata” Mendez; his nephew, Damon Lee McDonald; several brothers and sisters, as well numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 2:00pm Tuesday, October 2, 2018 in Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Jenny Lind Cemetery, with U.S. Army Honors. The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00pm Monday, October 1, 2018 at Edwards Funeral Home. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

To sign an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com