"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Our dearest Carlos lost many battles over the 10 years he had MS, but he finally won this war of suffering on April 17, 2001, at the age of 48. Now he is rejoicing with the Lord.
He married Maria Joaquina Santiago better known as Jackie, on a warm sunny day in February 17, 1973 at the First Baptist Church in Puerto Rico, a marriage that produced two beautiful children, Shara Linn and Samuel. Carlos lived part of his younger life in Puerto Rico, and at the age of nine moved to Newton, Massachusetts where his dad attended the Harvard School of divinity. After the completion of his dad's schooling, the family moved back to Puerto Rico where Carlos finished High School.
In 1971, Carlos joined the US Army and made a brilliant career in the field of Military Intelligence, a job that he was very proficient at and enjoyed doing. He completed several military tours throughout Europe. In South and Central America, he served as a translator for the Conference of Las Americas. His latest station until he was retired from the Army for medical reasons in 1993, was at Draper National Guard, with the 141st Military Intelligence.
He graduated from the University of Utah with studies in Biology and Chemistry. Carlos was an active member of the First Baptist Church.
Carlos's legacy was his innate ability to touch a person in a way that would make a big difference in that person's life, and in so doing give that person this life giving ability.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie; daughter, Shara Linn; and son,
Samuel; his parents, Luis Fidel and Clara Mercado; his sisters, Sara, Lydia, Ruth and his brother. Victor.
Our deepest gratitude go to Dr. John Rose, Moira Breck, Cristina Hardy, and Tristan Newman, for their professional and LOVING care.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 21, 2001 at the First Baptist Church, 777 South 1300 East. Friends may call Friday evening 7-9 p.m. at Evans & Early Mortuary, 574 East 100 South. Interment, Mt. Olivet Cemetery.