Upcoming Services

Visitation: 11:00 a.m.

Chapel: 12:30 p.m.

Houston National Cemetery: 1:45 p.m.  (In Procession)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Army

Luis Rafael Cruz Santiago, 74, passed away peacefully in Conroe Texas on August 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren. Born on August 30, 1950, in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, he was the firstborn of Rafael Cruz and Zoraida Santiago and the cherished eldest brother of five siblings.

From a young age, Luis displayed a strong sense of duty and leadership, traits that guided him into a 20-year career in the United States Army. He enlisted shortly after graduating high school and proudly served until his retirement in 1993. During his service, Luis  was a drill sergeant, shaping the lives and careers of new recruits with his characteristic discipline and supportive guidance.

After retiring from military service, Luis continued to inspire younger generations by teaching Junior ROTC programs in high schools across Puerto Rico and New York. His commitment to mentoring students was evident in the pride he took as he watched them develop discipline and leadership skills. Later, drawn by new opportunities, he relocated to Texas and joined Wells Fargo as a Mortgage Specialist, where he helped families achieve their dreams of homeownership.

Luis’s passions extended beyond his professional life. He had a lifelong love for cars and took great pleasure in searching for and adding different dream cars to his personal collection. He also enjoyed building and tinkering with computers, finding joy in learning about new technologies and assembling systems from the ground up. These hobbies reflected his curiosity and zest for understanding how things work.

He is survived by his six beloved children: Francisco Rafael Cruz, SueAnn Cruz, JamieAnn Cruz, Gabriel Rafael Cruz, Luis Rafael Cruz II, and Cahil Rafael Cruz. To them, he leaves a legacy of resilience, love, and steadfast dedication to family. Luis’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his children, extended family, and all who were touched by his kindness and guidance.

Luis Rafael Cruz Santiago’s life reminds us of the strength of service, the importance of family, and the joy of pursuing our dreams. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Dr. 

Houston, TX 77038

Meet in Lane 1 @ 10:30 a.m.  (not before 10:15 a.m. )  

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Army

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Dr. 

Houston, TX 77038

Meet in Lane 1 @ 10:30 a.m.  (not before 10:15 a.m. )  

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Air Force

Houston Honor Guard

Gather: 11:30 a.m.

Chapel: 12:00 p.m.

Houston National Cemetery: 1:00 p.m.  (In Procession)

Memorial contributions may be made to Breakthrough T1D, an organization designed to educate & assist those with Type 1 diabetes. https://www.breakthrought1d.org/

Chapel: 1:00 p.m.

Houston National Cemetery: 2:15 p.m.  (In Procession)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Army

Houston Honor Guard