Stephen Palacios Sr., 79, of Waco, Texas, entered into eternal rest on July 23, 2026.

Stephen was born on August 3, 1946, in Calvert, Texas, to Emilio and Concepcion Palacios. He devoted his life to his family, his faith, and the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity. A proud Roman Catholic, Stephen lived his faith through his actions, treating everyone he met with kindness, respect, humility, and compassion.

In 1966, Stephen enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served during the Vietnam War with the 18th Military Police Brigade from 1966 to 1967 and completed his Army service in 1969. During his military service, he was awarded numerous honors, including two Purple Hearts. Although he returned home with service-connected disabilities, he never allowed them to define him.

Despite the challenges he endured, Stephen dedicated his life to serving both his family and his community. Throughout the years, he worked in many professions, always giving his best in everything he did. He served as a Patrolman with the Orange County Sheriff's Office in Florida, worked for the State of Florida, built homes and commercial buildings as a contractor, served as a set builder for Baylor University's Theater Department, worked as a Veterans Affairs Police Officer, and concluded his career with the United States Postal Service. Wherever life led him, Stephen believed in working hard, doing things the right way, and always keeping his word.

His commitment to serving others extended far beyond his occupations. Stephen volunteered countless hours as a church bus driver and found great fulfillment coaching Little League baseball and youth football, where he had the joy of watching his sons play the sports he loved so dearly. He believed there was no greater investment than giving his time to his family, his church, and the next generation.

After retirement, Stephen found great joy tending to his garden and working on carpentry projects around the house. He loved building and repairing things with his hands, taking pride in every project he completed. Whether he was planting something new, fixing what was broken, or lending a helping hand to someone in need, he found purpose in serving others.

Those who knew Stephen will remember his generous heart, warm personality, and unwavering dependability. If Stephen gave you his word, you could trust that he would keep it. His honesty, quiet strength, and steadfast character earned the admiration and respect of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Above all else, Stephen was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His greatest accomplishment was never found in the medals he earned, the careers he pursued, or the buildings he constructed. It was found in the family he loved so deeply and the example he set every day through faith, sacrifice, humility, and unconditional love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emilio and Concepcion Palacios; numerous brothers and sisters; his parents-in-law, Josiah and Pearl Spikes; and many other beloved relatives.

Stephen leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly sixty years, Wanda Palacios; his sons, Stephen Palacios Jr., Scott Palacios, and Shane Palacios and his wife, Anitra; his grandchildren, Michael Palacios, Erick Palacios, Scott Palacios II, Ramon Rosario, and Marissa Ramos and her husband, Ray Ramos; his sister, Rose Torres; along with many family members who will forever cherish his memory.

Stephen's legacy lives on through the love he shared and the example he set. Although he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that his life was one of purpose, sacrifice, and devotion to God, his country, and those he loved.

Throughout the years, Stephen would often tell his family,

"I'll never let you drown."

Those words became a promise his family never forgot. To Stephen, they meant that no matter what life brought their way, they would never have to face it alone. Whenever life threatened to overwhelm them, he wanted them to know he would always be there to help them through. He spent his life keeping that promise through his love, guidance, sacrifice, and unwavering support.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you."

Isaiah 43:2

May he rest in eternal peace.