Manuel R. "Manny" Bustos Sr.

Manuel R. "Manny" Bustos, Sr., 87, of LaGrange, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on May 20, 1938, in Crowell, Texas, to the late, John Q. and Manuelita Coronado (Bustos) Rendon.

Manny grew up in the Fort Wayne, Indiana, area. In 1955, he proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving until 1959. Two years later, he continued his dedication to his country by joining the United States Army, where he served honorably until his retirement in 1979.

In the 1970s and early 1980s, Manny worked at the former Howe Military School, serving as the Tactical Officer for Company E until his retirement in 1985.

Following his career, Manny found great joy in supporting his children and grandchildren at their sporting events. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was an avid Cleveland Browns fan and spent many years coaching Little League baseball. He loved attending Lakeland High School athletic events and, even when family wasn't playing, often enjoyed going to games simply for the love of the sport.

Surviving Manny are his children, Manuel R. (Marijo) Bustos, Jr. of Des Plaines, Illinois, Louis Bustos of Chicago, Illinois, Veronica (Tom) Stilley of Four Oaks, North Carolina, Michael Bustos of Howe, Indiana, Christopher (LaCosta) Bustos, and Franchesca Bustos of Fort Wayne, Indiana; his companion of 26 years, Susan Kirk of LaGrange; nine grandchildren, Brandon (Gina) Bustos, Brittney (Matt) Burroughs, Michael Thomas (Bianca) Stilley, Catherine (Alec) Polovchak, Abby (Nathan) McCann, Victoria (Daniel) Overbey, Alyssa (Jason) Yoder, Arianna Bustos, and Teagan Sommer; and eight great-grandchildren, Hawk Stilley, Harper Stilley, Harrison Stilley, Zavier Stilley, Colton Burroughs, Belle Burroughs, Aria Overbey, and Zara Overbey.

According to his wishes, cremation will take place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made in Manny's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.