SFC Felix G. Colon-Santiago, US Army (Ret.)

SFC Felix G. Colon-Santiago, US Army (Ret.), 94, of Columbia, died on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Born February 10, 1931, in Cayey, Puerto Rico, he was a son of the late Felix Colon-Torres and Maria Santiago Maldonado. SFC Colon bravely served his country for over 27 years in the United States Army as an Infantry Soldier, Drill Sergeant, Chief of Military Police, and Chief Game Warden to name a few of his assignments in his military career. He served four tours of war, two in the Korean War and two in the Vietnam War. SFC Colon received many awards and commendations during his enlistment to include the Korean Service Medal, Army of Occupational Medal (Berlin), United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal W/Device, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry W/Palm. SFC Colon will always be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, and charm. He was very proud of his military service and was known for his impeccable uniform. His family was his pride and joy, and they were the single most important thing in his life. As a father, SFC Colon was very generous and supportive to his children. He was a disciplinarian, however he balanced it with love. He loved his wife tremendously and affectionately referred to her as “My Piece of Gold.” SFC Colon adored his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He always enjoyed hosting family and friends and making everyone feel welcome in his home. SFC Colon was an avid fisherman, loved to work with his hands, woodworking, home improvements, loved his Puerto Rican culture, music and dancing, working in his well-manicured yard and gardening, and always enjoyed his trips back to Puerto Rico to visit family. Survivors include his children, Sandra Medert (Greg) of Columbia, Ramon Colon (Kathy) of Columbia, Joe Colon of Charleston, , daughters-in-law, Michelle Colon of St. Johns, FL and Lisa Colon of Lugoff; grandchildren, Millie Henderson (Bryan), Melissa Nevarez, Jessica Gonzalez (Jorge), Rachel Colon, Jena Wise (C.J.), Alexis Colon, Antonio Colon, Jermaine Colon, Brayden Colon and Matthew Medert (Jamie); great grandchildren, Juliana Davison (Jake), Brenna Henderson, Austin Henderson, Collin Henderson, and Mina Stephens; as well as his siblings Eliezer Colon and Idalou Colon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Virginia Colon; son, Felix G. Colon, Jr.; brother, William Colon, and his sister, Maria Virgen Colon. The funeral service for SFC Colon will be held at 11:30 o’clock, Friday, March 7th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. Burial will follow at 1 o’clock at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC. A Rosary service will be held at 6 o’clock, Thursday, March 6th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC, followed by a visitation until 8 o’clock. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or Epworth Children’s Home, 2900 Millwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29205. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

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SFC Felix G. Colon-Santiago, US Army (Ret.)

February 10, 1931 - February 20, 2025