Santiago Vasquez

A resident of Killeen, Texas Santiago led a distinguished life marked by honor, courage, and devoted service to his country. He retired from the United States Army on March 31, 1982, following a steadfast career with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment. His dedication and bravery were recognized through an extensive list of decorations and awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster), and Army Commendation Medal. His honorable service also earned him the Good Conduct Medal (Clasp, Bronze, 5 Loops), National Defense Service Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (with 1 Silver Service Star and 2 Bronze Service Stars), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (Korea), Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (with Palm), Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, Army Service Ribbon (Numeral 2), Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 2), and the NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3). He was also a proud recipient of the Combat Infantryman Badge, reflecting his direct engagement in ground combat and unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers.

Santiago was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Raul Treviño; and one sister, Maria Abrego.

He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-six years, Elodia Vasquez; his children—three sons, Santiago (Ariana) Vasquez, Jr., Rene (Josie) Vasquez, and Louis (Cindy) Vasquez; and two daughters, Yolanda (Rick) Paniagua and Sylvia (Antonio Morales, Jr.) Vasquez. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren—Estefany, Samuel, Rene, Adam Christopher (Molly), David, Diego Alejandro, Mateo Emmanuel, Cecily Nicole (Micah), Nicolas Dane, Fred Alexander (Sara), and Gabriela Cecilia (Ted Quinten)—and seven great-grandchildren: Noah, Leilani, Davon, Isla Wren, Rylee May, Fred Jaxon, and Evelyn Quinn.

Santiago was a proud and loyal supporter of the Texas Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys, cheering for his teams with unwavering devotion. He will be remembered for his steadfast dedication to family and country and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 S. Fort Hood St., Killeen, TX 76542. The family will receive visitors prior to the service beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.