Antonio "Tony" Carrillo

Antonio “Tony” Carrillo, age 51, passed away on April 1, 2025, in Odessa, Texas, after battling a long illness. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, humility, and love for all who knew him.

Tony was born on September 1, 1973, in El Paso, Texas, to Manuel V. Carrillo and Antonio Sanchez Carrillo. He grew up in Van Horn, Texas, and attended Van Horn High School. After high school, he attended Sul Ross State University in Alpine.

In 2000, while working in Marfa, Texas, Tony met a girl named Erica, whom he would later go on to say, “changed his life.” Tony and Erica made their relationship official by getting married on November 19, 2011, in Pecos, Texas. Two sons were born to this union; Matthew Anthony and Ryan Eric.

During 2006, as the couple made their home in Monahans, Texas, Tony began his career as a correctional officer at the Reeves County Detention Center in Pecos. He later accepted a position of corrections officer at the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office during January 2013, under Sheriff Arturo Granado. His strong work ethic and commitment to leadership furthered his career as he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Years later, he would later become an emergency dispatcher for the Sheriff’s Office. Tony had a passion to serve. This same passion gave him an opportunity to serve as a detention officer for the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. District Court in Pecos. He often stated he was very honored and blessed to serve the community of Pecos.

Tony’s love of music was evident throughout his life. He loved to sing and enjoyed playing his drum set daily. In 2014, Tony began his very own DJ business, which he loved to do. He played at multiple social gatherings, and was well known as, “DJ TonE,” in the West Texas area. He stated music was his stress reliever; however, music brought him very much comfort and joy in his final days. His love for singing will be carried on by both of his sons.

Tony is proceeded in death by his mother, Antonia Sanchez Carrillo; his brother, Feliciano Carrillo; and his nephew, Luis Orlando Carrillo, Jr.

He is survived and greatly missed by his wife, Erica Carrillo; sons, Matthew Anthony Nunez and Ryan Eric Carrillo, all of Monahans; his mother-in-law, Tita Nunez, of Marfa; his father, Manuel V. Carrillo, of Van Horn; brothers: Jose Manuel Carrillo and wife Michelle, of New Braunfels; Luis Orlando Carrillo and wife Maricela, of San Angelo; nephews: Feliciano Carrillo, Jr, of Odessa and Jose Manuel Carrillo, Jr., of New Braunfels; niece, Ellehcim Cardinal and husband Ruben; great nephew, Quintrell Williams; and great niece Aviana Cardinal, all of San Antonio.

Pallbearers for Tony’s services will be Hipolito Carrillo, Jr., Felicano Carrillo, Jr., Joel Olague, Manuel Carrillo, Jr., Mark Cabezuela, and Oscar Borrego.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 1pm until 9pm at the Heritage Funeral Home in Van Horn. On Saturday, April 5, 2025, a rosary will take place at 9am, followed by a Celebration of Life Mass at 10 am at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Van Horn.