In Loving Memory of

Ricardo "Papa" Carreon

St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates and welcomed Ricardo Carreon, lovingly known as Papa, into the arms of our Heavenly Father. Waiting to embrace him were his devoted parents, Josephina and Andres Sr.; his beloved brother, Andy; his cherished sisters, Bertha, Blanca, Beatrice, Josephina, and Alice; and his precious grandson, Jason Carreon.

Left to treasure his memory is his loving wife of 73 years, Maria Helena, with whom he built a beautiful life centered on faith, love, and devotion. He is also survived by his children: Rick (Terri), Margaret Forrister (Kenny), Frank, and Bill (Cynthia); his sisters Fela, Lola, and Val; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews who will forever carry his stories, laughter, and example in their hearts.

Papa’s legacy continues through his ten grandchildren—Vinnie (Amy), Brian (Susan), Jenny, John, Aaron (Marisol), Michelle, Jamiee (Stevan), Leah, William Jr. (Kory), and Patrick (Kirsten); sixteen great-grandchildren—Jessica Rae (Noah), Junior, Deacon, Callie, Andrew (Lexi), Bianca, Christian Michael, Aeron Jacob (Dezaire), Cailee Rae, Alexis, Cruz, Brianna, Liam, Rowan, Tristan, and Tucker; and four great-great-grandchildren—Cruz, Luke, Drew, and Sunni Rae. His love, wisdom, and example will continue to echo through each generation.

Ricardo was born on March 25, 1928, to Andres and Josephina Carreon and was raised in Segundo Barrio at 268 South Santa Fe Street in El Paso, Texas. From a very young age, he demonstrated the value of hard work. At just four years old, he began selling newspapers for the El Paso Times in downtown El Paso. By seven, he was shining shoes for firefighters at Fire Station 11 on the corner of Paisano and Santa Fe.

At 17, feeling called to serve his country, Ricardo sought his father’s blessing and enlisted in the United States Navy. After completing basic training, he was assigned to the USS Blue Ridge in San Diego, California. He was immensely proud to be a Naval Seaman and to serve and protect the United States of America. Both the American flag and the Naval flag were proudly displayed outside and throughout his home as a symbol of his deep patriotism.

In July 1946, he was selected by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to participate in Operation Crossroads at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, a historic mission testing the effects of the atomic bomb on naval vessels. Seaman First Class Ricardo Carreon was honorably discharged on October 15, 1947, and continued serving in the Naval Reserve until his honorable discharge on March 16, 1953.

In 1948, at the age of 20, Ricardo began working at the El Paso Times–El Paso Herald Post as a mailer. It was during this time that he met and fell in love with the beautiful Maria Helena Amaya. They married in June 1953 and, through hard work and faith in God, purchased their home in the Loma Terrace area. With steadfast devotion to their Lord and Savior, they raised four wonderful children: Rick, Margaret, Frank, and Bill.

Ricardo dedicated 42 years of faithful service to the El Paso Times, retiring in 1990 as Supervisor of the Mailing Department. His strong work ethic, leadership, and loyalty left a lasting impact on all who worked alongside him.

A faithful man of God, Ricardo openly shared his faith and often reminded those around him that without God’s help, he would be nothing. He was also known for his joyful spirit. A natural jokester with a contagious laugh and radiant smile, he delighted in surprising his grandchildren and great-grandchildren—hiding behind doors or sneaking up with a loud “Boo!” followed by his unmistakable, hearty laughter. He often joked that when the time came and his loved ones stood by his coffin, they should be ready for him to open his eyes one last time and say “Boo.” That playful spirit will forever bring smiles through tears.

Ricardo instilled invaluable lessons in his children and grandchildren: “Go to school—I know what I’m telling you.” Work hard. Show respect to be respected. Honor God in everything you do. Honor your parents. Dress well. Offer a firm handshake. Keep your word. Look a man in the eye. Protect your loved ones. Be faithful with everything God gives you. These teachings, and countless others, will guide generations to come.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bill Carreon, Brian Forrister, John Carreon, Aaron Forrister, Patrick Carreon, and Aeron Jacob Beltran—each carrying forward his strength, honor, and legacy.

Ricardo will be deeply missed, but what an extraordinary legacy he created in his 97 years on this earth. His life was a testament to faith, family, service, hard work, and joy. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Viewing services will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by the Holy Rosary from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at San Jose Funeral Home at 10950 Pelicano Drive, El Paso, Texas 79935.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church at 8600 Winchester Road, El Paso, Texas 79907. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

Visitation:

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Rosary:

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

at 6:00 P.M

Mass:

Wednesday 25, 2026

Our Lady Of the Valley

at 11:00 A.M... Followed by

Interement:

Ft Bliss National Cemetery

Entry time is at 1:00 P.M.

San Jose Funeral Home-East,

10950 Pellicano Dr., 79935

(915) 590-8700.