Manuel R. Gatica

Manuel R. Gatica, age 88, passed away at his home Thursday, December 13, 2007 with his family at his side. He was born in Ganado, Texas on November 16, 1919 to Antonino Gatica and Felicita Rodriguez Gatica. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Manuel is preceded in death by his wife, Maria J. Gatica. He is survived by his children, Esther (Oscar) De Los Santos of Houston, Texas, Guadalupe Trevino, Manuel (Grace) Gatica, Jr. of Corpus Christi, Texas; Jane Diaz of San Antonio, Texas, Herminia (John) Durkin of Rowlett, Texas, Hortencia (Jesus) Rios of McAllen, Texas, Beatrice (Abel) Pulido of Corpus Christi, Texas, Daniel Gatica of Alphine, Texas and Maria Teresa (Jo) of League City, Texas; 38 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his three brothers, Jesus (Zulema) Gatica, Antonio (Estefana) Gatica and Jose (Maria) Gatica. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, December 16, 2007 at Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will resume at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church with a Rosary to be recited at 8:00 p.m. the same evening. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 16, 2007 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Joe De Los Santos, Robert Trevino, Gabriel Gatica, Michael Rodriguez, Alex Rios, and Abel Pulido, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be John Kevin Durken and Daniel James Gatica. The family wishes to express a special thank you to Nurses on Wheels Hospice, Visiting Angels, Senior Companions, Lori Baker, and most especially to our sister, Lupe. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Manuels name to the Alzheimer's Association of South Texas, 2910 Leopard St., Corpus Christi, Texas, 78408 or to the chapter of your choice.