Santiago "Jimmy" Camacho

 Santiago “Jimmy” Camacho, age 85, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at his home in Topeka.

He was born the son of Desidoro, Sr., and Jesusa (Trevinio) Camacho on June 16, 1938, in San Antonio, TX.

Jimmy was drafted into the United States Air Force in San Antonio, TX, in 1959. He was honorably discharged from active duty in June of 1963, at Forbes AFB in Topeka. After his discharge, Jimmy worked in the civilian sector. He started his quest towards a degree in Business Administration from Washburn University, but his heart longed for military life. He enlisted with the 190th Air Refueling Wing in 1974. In 1977, he received his degree from Washburn. He was particularly proud of his educational accomplishment, and he was active with the Latin American Student Organization while in college. While working through the ranks, he became an Aircrew Life Support Superintendent in 1988, with duties including directing and supervising Aircrew members. From December 20, 1990, through January 25, 1991, Jimmy served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm campaigns. He was very proud of the accomplishments his team made during that time. On June 7, 1993, Jimmy retired from the 190th Air Refueling Wing with the Kansas National Guard after 23 years of service, achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt).

While stationed in Topeka, Jimmy met, fell in love and married Lilia Barron on May 19, 1962, in Topeka. Together, they shared almost 62 years of marriage.

Jimmy was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, the OLG Nate Morales 1177 Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, the American GI Forum, and the Amigos of the OLG Church-Marlo Cuevas-Balandran Activity Center. In his spare time, Jimmy enjoyed fishing, hunting, dancing, watching sports, exercising at the gym, playing guitar and singing. He will be remembered for his kindhearted nature, spending time with family and friends, and socializing with everyone.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Lilia Camacho; children Cynthia, Eddie (wife Adrianne, daughter Alexis), and Mark; siblings on the Camacho side: Desidoro Jr. (wife Stella), Olga, Beatrice, Gilbert (wife Rachel), Ray (wife Mary Alice), and Eileen (husband Victor); siblings on the Garcia side: Felipe, Fred, Max (wife Bonnie), and David (wife Cheryl).

He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Desidoro, Sr. and Senona Camacho; as well as his mother and stepfather, Jesusa and Tom Garcia.

Jimmy will lie in state from 9:30-10:30 A.M., followed by a rosary at 10:30 A.M., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M., at the church. Military funeral honors will be presented after the service.

Cremation will take place after the services and Jimmy will be inurned at the Holy Trinity Mausoleum at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made in Jimmy's memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.