Samuel Pacheco Sr.

Samuel Pacheco Sr., 87, of Ottawa, KS, passed away Thursday, September 22, 2022, at Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, KS.  He was born April 30, 1935.  He was born at the Mexican camp Santa Fe Railroad section houses in North Ottawa, the son of Manuel Pacheco and Sara ( Magallanes) Pacheco.

Mr. Pacheco was a lifelong resident.  He grew up fishing on 8 mile creek and hunting rabbits. He told stories about summer time swimming in the river as they were not allowed at the Forest Park swimming pool.  He told about having to sit in a separate section at the movie theater and having restrictions at local businesses.  He would say, “We had more fun anyway.”

Later, he looked up to his two older brothers that were serving with the Marines in Korea and he was determined to get there. At the age of 17 he was finally able to convince his dad to sign the papers.  He entered the Marine Corps on May 12, 1952, attending Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego, CA.  Upon graduation he was assigned to Marine Barracks NAD Hawthorne, NV, not what he wanted, however he excelled in his duties as a Marine eventually working his way up to standing guard at the main gate of the depot. In late 1953 he was ordered to the office of the Commanding Officer and was granted permission to speak his peace, which was wanting to go to Korea, he stated “Sir, I joined the Marine Corps to go to Korea and was sent here, Sir.” Angered by his statement his C.O. dismissed him from his office. A few days later he got the message, “Pacheco, pack your trash you are going to Korea.”  At that point it was the happiest day of his life.  He served with the First Marine Division, obtaining the rank of Sergeant.  His awards include the National Defense Medal, Korean Service medal, and UN Service Medal (Korea).

After returning to Ottawa he began working for Royal Cleaners, where he stayed for over 50 years.  Mr. Pacheco attended Sacred Heart Church, was a 60 year member of the V.F.W. Post 5901, a member of Post 60 American Legion, a life member of 1st Marine Division and Marine Corps League.

On February 12, 1954, Sam was united in marriage to Guadalupe Madrigal in Ottawa, KS.  This past February they celebrated their sixty-eighth year of marriage.

Mr. Pacheco mowed lawns on the side for many years and loved caring for his yard, garden, and flowers.  He passed on his love for the outdoors to his children and grandchildren.  In 1968, after reading a book about Aerobics and Running, he quit smoking and started jogging.  He became an avid runner, earning awards in numerous 5K and 10K races.  He was most proud of placing in Kansas City’s Hospital Hill Half Marathon.  He would continue his walking and light jogging until one week before his passing.  He enjoyed attending many 1st Marine Division and Marine Barracks NAD Hawthorne, NV reunions, reuniting and reminiscing with old buddies.  Some of his favorite television shows were Andy Griffith, Gomer Pyle, M.A.S.H., and Gunsmoke.  He was also a HUGE Chiefs fan attending many games at Arrowhead with family and friends; he didn’t do well on Mondays if they lost!  He also truly loved his grandchildren and was proud of their accomplishments. We truly believe he was a man of great moral character, and was extremely proud to serve his country as a United States Marine.  He will be greatly missed by his family. 

He is survived by his wife, Guadalupe Pacheco, Ottawa, KS; Samuel Pacheco Jr. and his wife Maria, Ottawa, KS; daughter Diana Pacheco-Blanton and her husband Richard, Emporia, KS; three half-brothers, Manuel Pacheco, Ottawa, KS, David Pacheco, Lawrence, KS, Phillip Pacheco, Spring Hill, Ks; nine grandchildren, Joshua, Sam III, Jesus, Jodi, Krystle, Sara, Corey, Jenna, Veronica; eighteen great grandchildren along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Mr. Pacheco was preceded in death by his son, Mark Pacheco and five siblings, Pedro Pacheco, Ruth Garcia, Jessie Pacheco, Leonard Pacheco, and John Pacheco.

A Mass will be said 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 3, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ottawa, KS. A rosary will be said 2:00 p.m., Sunday October 2, 2022, at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, Ottawa, KS, followed by a visitation from 2:30 until 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.   Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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