Efren Palacios

Efren Palacios passed away at home with his family beside him on December 22, 2023.
Efren (Eddie) Palacios was born in the Philippines to Lorenzo and Maria Palacios. He had 2 sisters and 5 brothers. Eddie shared so many stories of his life in the Philippines. As a child, he loved to lay on the back of water buffalo while they grazed in the rice patties. There's the story of how his favorite pet chicken tragically became his birthday dinner. Stories of him working in his father's bakery and gas station. He spent countless hours on the basketball court eventually earning him captain of his high school basketball team. Lastly, there was dream of one day coming to the United States...and eating hotdogs.
Eddie's dream finally came true when he beat the odds and joined the US Navy. He became a gunner's mate and served 2 tours in Vietnam. One day Eddie's shipmate set him up on a blind date with Mary (Mickie) Romero and so began their adventure of 56 years.
Eddie and Mickie settled in San Diego, CA. They had 3 beautiful girls: Liza, Rachel, and Luana. Five years later, Efrem the boy Eddie always wanted came along. Shortly after, Eddie himself hand-picked the lovely little girl Lorena into his family.
Eddie joined the San Diego police force in 1976. He then retired in 2003, bought a boat and moved to Colorado. Eddie enjoyed working in his garden. He loved to plant roses and keep his yard clean and tidy. He loved to cook Filipino food for friends and church family and wanted to make sure there was plenty for everyone to eat. Adobo, pansit and lumpia were his specialties.
He loved to hear people's conversion to Christ and enjoyed quiet time with his God.
In 2011, Eddie and Mickie moved to Garnett, KS and fell in love with everything this small town offers.
Eddie always wanted to be surrounded by his family. Family was the center of his life. He always made sure he was home for dinner to be with his family. He was a hands-on Daddy that hugged and kissed his children. Eddie adored his four grandchildren: Jacob and Hannah Glaze, Daniel and David Strong. His extended family included Paul and Ruby Chupp and their family. He enjoyed many hours of good food and company with them. He was also a grandpa figure to Malachi and Gabriel Yoder. He loved to buy those boys toys.
Eddie was a sharp dresser. He liked to have his jeans pressed with a crease down the middle, pressed shirt with starch, shiny boots and his hair slicked back with pomade. He said you only get one chance at first impressions. He impressed many people with his jovial spirit and infectious laughter. He will be greatly missed by all who experienced his bright smile.

Special Thanks to the caring staff at Moran Manor for everything they did to make Eddie a part of their family. He truly felt loved and cared for by people who genuinely love what they do.

Eddie may be gone but take joy that he is with our Lord and Master now.