Hector Manuel Santiago, 65, was born in New York City. He was called home by his Lord and Savior on May 1, 2026.
Funeral services will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas on May 15 at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Hector loved working and started at a young age at his grandfather’s familyowned business, El Tropical Restaurante.
He enjoyed martial arts and was a huge fan of Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, and enjoyed watching their shows and movies.
Hector had a passion for dancing -- salsa, breakdancing and disco. He was known to dress like John Travolta from time to time, imitating him from the movie “Saturday Night Fever.” He also enjoyed riding bikes and showing off his pop wheelie skills.
He loved attending family gatherings and especially loved Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Playing dominoes, handball, basketball and other sports were also hobbies of Hector’s. He always loved to swim and jump in the oceans and lakes, saying, “I’m baptized and saved in the name of Jesus.”
Hector also thoroughly enjoyed food, especially authentic Puerto Rican food, and had to have his Pepsi Cola to drink.
Even though Hector had no children, he treated and loved all children as his own. He lived a happy life until he was hospitalized for the last two months. He endured a lot of suffering and became a fighter, but every time his sisters visited him, he still gave a smile and many high fives. Now he is with the woman he loved the most, his Mama Anna, in God’s kingdom.
