Epifanio S. Camarillo

Epifanio Salas Camarillo (Pife) passed away peacefully August 27, 2024, in his San Antonio home. He was the twelfth child born to Faustino & Cleofas Salas Camarillo on April 7,1934 in Converse, Texas. He always made fun of the fact that he was born in a barn at Rancho Mila where his parents worked in the fields. Unable to care for their newest infant, Pife was raised on Balboa Street in the west side of San Antonio by Ricardo & Maria Camarillo with their thirteen children. Two of the daughters, Juanita and Pilar, cared for Pife while the rest of the family worked. He called Pilar “Mama” all his life as he was so fond of her.When he was six years old, his birth father offered to buy him a horse if he would return to the Converse family. Pife refused and chose to stay in the westside. At the age of eight, he picked pecans for minimal pay. As a teenager, he delivered new shirts to customers for a downtown department store. The bus didn’t go everywhere back then so Pife did lots of walking. When he passed to the eighth grade, he stopped attending school to help his migrant working family. They would travel north in three carloads to pick fruit/vegetables. He worked at Libby’s Cannery where he was quickly promoted to supervisor. After the harvest the family would return to San Antonio until the following year.

Pife was proud of his first car, the Nash. He would then visit the Converse Camarillo’s, always accompanied by his cousin, Victor, whom he referred to as his brother. (Always dressed in white t-shirt and khaki pants, the style back then). They had been inseparable since childhood. On weekends they would go to the rooftop “dancehall” at one of the Market Square buildings. One night he spotted Celia Torres across the dance floor. She was very shy and timid and refused to dance with him twice. She finally said yes on the third attempt. They danced polkas together the rest of the night. He finally succeeded in getting her phone number at a separate time. Their first date was at Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant.

Uncle Sam called on Pife to serve his country in October 1956. He asked Celia to wait for his return and she said yes. After completing boot camp in Ft. Bliss, Texas he returned to marry her on October 26,1958. He had to quickly report to Georgia and took his new bride with him. The next 20 years he was stationed in various states, Germany twice and Okinawa. They had four children, each born in a different location.

Pife was proud to earn his GED in the Army. He often recalled patrolling the Czechoslovakian border, guarding against Russian intruders all night in knee deep snow. During the Cold War he protected the U.S. while manning the missiles. He truly enjoyed his MOS, Artillery. His favorite weapon was the 90 mm.

After retiring from 20 years of Army life he then served another 20 years in the Civil Service. He was a member of the American Legion and was featured in their 2024 publication, In My Words.

Pife was generous, considerate, funny, and honest. Always with a cup of coffee in his hand. He enjoyed reading, solving crossword puzzles, collecting coins, listening to music, gardening, watching war movies, and nature/history/battle programs. He was a history buff and was extremely knowledgeable of Texas History and our Mexican Heritage facts that are not taught in school. On Sundays we attended church in our best attire. He instilled respect, proper manners and good behavior in his children with a strict and firm hand in a loving way. Afterall, he was a Platoon Sargeant. He strongly encouraged his daughters to get a good education and be self- reliant.

Pife was openly caring and affectionate towards Celia, the love of his life. (He would say he was destined to meet her). They enjoyed each other’s company: always laughing, smiling and holding hands. They did everything together. He loved to shower her with gifts, Elizabeth Taylor Perfume, jewelry, chocolates, trips to Las Vegas and, her #7 at Whataburger. He enjoyed spending time with his family: sightseeing, fishing, collecting seashells, playing board games/outdoor games and barbecuing. He created challenging mazes for us to solve. When Pife and Celia were blessed with grandchildren, he entertained them with trips to the zoo, parks, flea markets, and to get pizza and burgers.

Epifanio was preceded in death by his birth parents, Faustino and Cleofas Camarillo, his adoptive parents, Ricardo and Maria Camarillo, numerous siblings/aunts/uncles/cousins from both families, his youngest son, Felix T. Camarillo and his loving wife of 64 years, Celia Torres Camarillo. He is survived by daughter Maria T. Camarillo and sons, Vernon and Alex, daughter Gloria C. Chapa (David) and sons, Daniel and Robert, and son Epifanio T. Camarillo (Margie), and his children, Cristina and Anthony, four great-grandchildren, one sister, one brother, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Though our hearts are aching with sadness, we are comforted knowing that he is no longer suffering. Our Lord has joined him with Celia and Felix. He lived a long, accomplished, fulfilled, meaningful life. We look forward to the day we will all be joined together.

The family will receive friends starting at 6:00 pm on Monday, September 16, 2024, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

ROSARYMON., SEPT. 16, 20247:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 MCCULLOUGH AVE.SAN ANTONIO, TX 78212

SERVICETUES., SEPT. 17, 202410:00 AMPORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 MCCULLOUGH AVE.SAN ANTONIO, TX 78212

Deacon Lorenzo Valdez will officiate. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.