Guillermo “Willie” Carrillo, age 94 of Las Cruces entered eternal life on Friday, May 1, 2026. Willie was a quiet, wise, and humble man who dedicated his later years in prayer for his family.

Willie proudly served in the United States Army from 1949 -1952 achieving the rank of Corporal. He was a member of the famed 7th Hourglass Division, a part of the 8th Army 31st Infantry, and played a key role in the historic 1950 Inchon Landing that helped lead to the end of the Korean War. His unit eventually advanced as far as the Yalu River near China and held positions near the 38th parallel, now known as the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. His division was one of the most highly decorated units earning Willie Sr. the Korean Service Medal and three Bronze Stars.

After completing his military service, he married Esperanza “Hope” Carrillo, and together they raised five children. Willie worked for 37 years at White Sands Missile Range before retiring, after which he and Hope enjoyed traveling throughout the United States together.

Willie was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Esperanza “Hope” T. Carrillo; his grandson, Aaron A.W. Carrillo; his son-in-law, Louis Sauceda; his granddaughters, Danielle Carrillo and Lilly Lenz; and his sisters, Esther Lovato (and her husband, Dennis), Rose Mary Tellez, and Carlota Carrillo.

Willie is survived by his children Sylvia Sauceda, LeRoy “Lee” Carrillo (Coreen), Judy Lenz (Jim), Willie M. Carrillo Jr., Dan Carrillo, and Alma Cortez (David). Grandchildren; Kristen Darnell (Craig), Chris Sauceda (Ashley), Dr. Charles Lenz (Melanie), Jason Sauceda (Anjelica), Jeffery Lenz (Danielle), Jordan Deskin, Anthony Carrillo, Matthew Lenz, Joseph Cortez, and Dr. Faith Annelies Cortez. Great grandchildren; Caden and Cori Darnell, Malakai, Mikah, and Kaia Sauceda, Jackson and Lola Lenz, Elijah Carrillo, Matai, Brielle, and Asa Sauceda, Liam and Ella Cortez. Siblings; Edward Carrillo (Gloria d.), Bernardino “Bernie” Carrillo, Delores “Doris” Reyes (Senon, d.), Jennie Villa, (Frank, d.), Ernestina “Tini” Apodaca (Henry), Richard “Dickie” Carrillo (Anna Marie), and Johnny Carrillo Sr.

Willie treasured time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They will always remember Saturday “Spy Smasher” movie nights, building forts, and the way he held his grandbabies and said, “He wants to walk.” He also enjoyed working on cars, watching tennis, driving around town, flying his large American flag, and reading his Bible. Willie was deeply loved and he will be greatly missed beyond measure.

A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2:00 pm at Las Cruces First Assemblies of God, 5605 Bataan Memorial West, Las Cruces, NM. There will be a reception immediately following the service.