JUAN MANUEL CAMARENA LARA

1949 - 1953

Juan Manuel Camarena Lara entered this life on June 27, 1949 to Maria Guadalupe and Jose de Jesus. He entered heaven into the waiting hands of God on June 5, 2010. He now joins his son Juan Antonio, his mother and father, Maria and Jesus and his sisters Elena, Socorro, his brothers Leopoldo and Juan Manuel.

He was born in a small farming community in Ayotlan, Jalisco Mexico, where he spent his childhood. Manuel always enjoyed the outdoors. He spent considerable time farming, fishing and the love of his life, hunting. He made his way to Mendota, California in 1972 where he quickly got work and excelled in putting his knowledge to work in the tomato fields.

He was and is still in our hearts a role model of a man, a son, a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend to anybody who knew him. He enjoyed serving the community helping anybody who asked or seemed in need of help. Manuel participated in many marches benefiting the Latino Community. He loved keeping his family together, with his door always open and a lot of family get-togethers with his wife, Angelina, his 12 children, 6 grand-children and sons and daughter-in-laws whom he loved very much. Manuel will always be in the memories of his wife and children and his spirit will be with us always. Anybody who had the honor of knowing him, never forgot him. Manuel loved the outdoors and spent time with friends and family always ready to cook; birria, carne asada, godornices, or venison with whoever was in his home at the moment. Manuel accepted the Lord Jesus in the early 90's and became the first member of the Vida Nueva Christian Reformed Church in Mt. Vernon. He served as an elder for 15 years. There is no doubt of where brother Manual is today.

Manuel is survived by his wife Angelina, sons Jorge, Daniel, Juan, Noel, Manuel, Javier, Jose, Angel, Saul and daughters Nancy, Isabel and Cecilia. His grandchildren Reynalinda, Jorge, Jr., Arisely, Yarely, Sergio, Jr and Noel, Jr. His surviving brothers and cousins are Pancho, Jovenal, Jose, Alfredo, Herminio, Chuy, Lencho, Maria, Luis, Elba, Sara Angelica, marina, Carmen and Luis Soto. Manuel also leaves behind a multitude of friends.

A memorial service will be held in the First Christian Reformed Church of Mt. Vernon on Wednesday, June 9 at 701 W. Blackburn Rd., Mt. Vernon, at 5:00pm. Pastor Joe Strong will lead the service. Anybody who knew Manuel is invited to com and share memories.