Melchor A. Santana

Melchor Alberto Santana was born on August 7, 1944, in Smeltertown, Texas, and was called to his final resting place by our Lord on Sunday, October 2, 2022. He was 78. Melchor was preceded in death by his parents, Melchor T. and Ramona Santana, his wife Raquel Santana, and his younger sister Carmen Santana-Melgoza. He is survived by his children Gabriel Santana (Xochitl), Elena Carrillo (Gustavo), and Adrian “Dugis” Santana; his grandchildren Alexander Santana, Eric Santana, Krystian Carrillo, Victoria Santana, Karen Carrillo, and Karissa Carrillo; his sister Maria Ceniceros; along with his partner of many years Josefina Perez.

Melchor was known by many names including Mel, Santa, Junior, and Santalon. He spent his childhood growing up in Bueno Vista and graduated from El Paso High School in 1963. He went on to study electrical engineering and graduate with a Masters from UTEP, formerly known as The Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy. Mel was a great provider for his family, and a fierce friend. He was always willing to lend a hand and serve others. Mel was a devout Catholic and his faith helped him transition toward the end.

Mel was proud to have worked on the F-16 and Patriot Missile System. He had a fondness for airplanes and was always good at trivia. He knew facts about almost everything and was able to tell you a good story about something's origin.

Above all, Mel loved his family and it was the most important thing to him. His children and grandchildren filled much of his free time. He was a devoted Grandfather who made sure each grandchild knew how special they were to him. He would often say, “May you be blessed with grandchildren.” They were his joy. You could always spot him at a game or competition cheering on his loved ones. He was genuinely happy to see friends and had a smile that lit up a room.

Services will be held at Hillcrest Funeral Home-West, 5054 Doniphan Drive, on Thursday, October 20th. Visitation will begin at 4 PM with a Rosary Service at 6 PM. A funeral mass is scheduled on Friday, October 21st at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 400 West Sunset, at 10:30 AM followed immediately by burial at Memory Gardens of the Valley, 4900 McNutt Road.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestfhwest.com for the Santana family.