Carlos Eduardo Buitrago, born January 10th, 1956, in Barranquilla, Colombia, passed comfortably in his home, with family at his side on May 7th, 2021, in Yuma, Arizona, at the age of 65. He was born to Francisco Jose Buitrago and Maria Mercedes Arango. He attended Newtown High School in Queens, NY, and graduated in 1973. As a 17-year old young man, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps with written consent from his mother. He reported for boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina. After boot camp and military schools, he deployed to Vietnam and served during the final campaigns of the war. Next, he was assigned to the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing HQ in New Orleans. He would often remark that his time in Louisiana was the best. He loved rock music and attended several concerts during this time. He saw ZZ Top, Peter Frampton, J. Geils Band, Chicago, Charlie Daniels, Marshall Tucker, Aerosmith, and The Rolling Stones, to name a few. Carlos served his final duty station at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. In 1980 he met and married Maria Luz (Martinez Robles). From this union, they had four children.

After separating from the Marine Corps in 1981, he worked for the Yuma County Sheriff's Office as a jailer in Parker, AZ (part of Yuma County at the time). He moved his family back east to Queens, NY, and worked for several years in International Banking. He continued his education and earned his bachelor's in Business Administration and Accounting from The State University of New York (SUNY-Clinton College). He returned to Yuma in the early '90s. He worked many years for ManTech International at MCAS Yuma as a civilian defense contractor before retiring.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francisco Jose Buitrago and Maria Mercedes Buitrago-Arango. And his sister Maria Cristina. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Maria Luz (Yuma); his children - Carlos A. Buitrago of Yuma, Daniel Buitrago of Yuma, David Buitrago of Seal Beach, CA, and Stephanie M. Buitrago of Yuma. Daughters-in-law Diana M. Buitrago of Yuma and Tanya R. Buitrago of Seal Beach, CA.; 6 grandchildren, Mathew Tapia, Mia Buitrago, Chelsea Buitrago, Jurgen Buitrago, Vanessa Hernandez, and Isabella Buitrago; his sister Maria Himelda Wiegran of Germany and brother Frank Buitrago of Florida, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. And Sheik, his beloved miniature pinscher.

Please donate in his memory to the American Legion - H.H. Donkersley, AZ Post 19 in Yuma, Arizona in lieu of flowers.