Manuel Esparza

Dad, Uncle, brother, Grandpa, Great grandpa, and proud WWII veteran, Manuel Esparza, passed away on February 11, 2024.

Manuel was born in El Paso, Texas on March 27, 1926.   He attended Sacred Heart School and went on to attend Bowie High School while growing up with his many sisters and brother in “Segundo Barrio” where he had many fond memories.

He later joined the Army Air Forces. He served his country proudly during WWII, and often spoke of his travels and experiences while in the Army Air Forces Infantry Unit.

Manuel married Alice Loya in a double wedding celebration at Our Lady of the Valley Church in September 1954, together with her beloved sister, Flora Loya and Joseph Manno.

Manuel worked at various heating and cooling jobs and was later employed by Civil Service, Ft Bliss Texas.  He was hardworking and dedicated to his work in sheet metal and heating and cooling. (He could make just about anything from a sheet of sheet metal!) He remained with Civil Service until his retirement. After his retirement, he volunteered at Ft Bliss Sheet Metal Shop mentoring young up and coming sheet metal workers.

He was a member of VFW Post 8782 for many years. The neon sign above the Post’s doors on Carolina Drive in El Paso is only one of his many “masterpieces”. Manuel would mention that sign whenever passing by the Post on our way to his favorite restaurant “The Lunch Box”.

Manuel was an avid reader, he loved music and loved to dance.  From Mariachi music and Los Panchos to Augustin Lara, to Juan Gabriel, to Celia Cruz and Vicente Fernandez---He loved it all. Dancing was his forte. He enjoyed his black and white movies, and especially enjoyed Charlie Chaplin. Cantinflas movies were a big favorite as well.

Manuel lived and experienced and taught us all many life lessons in his 97 years. He will be truly missed and remembered as a private man who loved his family, loved his dog, “Peewito”, enjoyed being home-- keeping busy while he was able, and enjoyed reminiscing about his time in the military.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Veronica, and her husband, David, his son Manny II, his wife, Annette, his son, Samuel, his wife, Christine, 5 grandchildren: Kyla, (her husband, Christopher), Keith, Matthew (his wife, Theresa), Samuel Jr, and Erik, and 3 Great-grandchildren: Harlow, Zoe, and Rory along with many nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors

A special thank you to his caregiver of many many years, Maria Mata.  We are forever indebted to you for the unconditional love, care, and dedication you showed our dad, Manuel, and our family.

Visitation from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Vigil/Rosary at 6:00 PM, Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Homes- East, 750 N. Carolina. A Chapel Service will be at 9:00 AM, Friday, July 26, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Homes- East. Graveside Service will be at 11:00 AM at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with Military Honors.