Heber “Jose” Culebro De Los Santos, 63, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly at 10:43 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Heber was born on November 8, 1962, in Chiapas, Mexico, the son of Pedro Culebro Solis and Mercedes De Los Santos Castaneda. He married the love of his life, Angela Alvarez, on July 3, 2011, in Galesburg, Illinois.
Heber graduated from high school in 1983 and later continued his education, earning a degree in Agricultural Technology in 1987. In 2000, he came to the United States in pursuit of a better life and greater opportunities for himself and his family.
Heber was a hardworking man who took great pride in his work. He worked at Alwan’s Meat Market, All In Brothers, and on the Burns Farm. He loved being outdoors and especially enjoyed farming. He also loved grilling carne asada, cooking, and spending time with his family. He also loved Clun America futbol.
Heber had a special love for his two cats, Cucho and Bally, who he considered his children. They brought him great joy and were an important part of his life.
Heber is survived by his wife, Angela; his children, Jonathan Jose (Lindy) Culebro Cruz of Mexico, Erika Vanessa (Miseal) Culebro Cruz of Mexico, and Terry Powers Stanley of Peoria, Illinois; four stepchildren, Tomas Diaz, Sonya Cruz, Mindy Mendez, and Lindsey McGraw; his beloved cats, Cucho and Bally; his siblings, Wilifredo (Juliette) Culebro De Los Santos, Nicolas Culebro De Los Santos, Octavio Culebro De Los Santos, Mercedes (Rodrigo) Galves, Beatrice Culebro De Los Santos, Blanca De Los Santos, Concepcion (Imiel) Olivera, and Lucia (Pablo) Lopez, all of Mexico; and his grandchildren, Vanessa Ramos and Maximilliano Culebro Garcia, both of Mexico.
He is also lovingly remembered by his special friends and employers, Richard “Dick” (Colleen) Burns and their daughter, Brittney.
Heber was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Pedro Culebro De Los Santos.
Heber will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of the outdoors, passion for farming and cooking, and, most of all, his devotion to his family and his beloved cats.
He will be returned to his home country of Mexico, where he will be laid to rest with his family at a cemetery in Mapastepec, Mexico.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
