He was born on June 1, 1930 in Santa Paula to Manuel Acosta Mendez and Antonia Marquez. He was preceded in death by first wife Maria Mendez, two brothers Nicholas Mendez and Sebastian Mendez. Three sisters Juanita Grijalva, Jessie Rocha, Virginia Abel, and Mincie Moraga. Stepdaughter Sandra Hurtado and grandson Richard Mendez Lara.

Manuel attended Barbara Webster and Isbell schools and graduated from Santa Paul High School in 1949. After serving in the United States Army during the Korean War he earned his Associates degree from Ventura College. Manuel was an active member of the Korean War Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2043. He was very active in Little League baseball and donated his services to the community, including Las Pierdas Park, Santa Paula Boys Cub, Santa Paula Little League, Veterans Park, and Santa Paula High School to name a few.

He was one of the originals from "Calle Doce" and was a member of Operative Plasters and Cement Masons Local 600 for over fifty years, from which he retired. Manuel was the life of many get-togethers and family celebrations with his wonderful wit and great sense of humor. He had a warm , loving personality, and took great joy in his family and friends.

Manuel leaves behind wife Josie who gives thanks to God for being his wife for 15 wonderful years. Sons Manuel wife Lola, Jack wife Kay, and daughter Debra husband Jose. Stepsons Michael wife Monica, Raymond, Anthony wife Debbie, and Timmy Hurtado. Sisters Christina Carrillo and Inez Viramontes. Manuel will be greatly missed by his family, including many nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and many very dear friends. The family extends thanks and gratitude to Dr. Meyers and his nurse June.

Viewing will be Monday April 12 from 4-8 p.m. at Skillin Carroll Mortuary 738 E. Santa Paula St. Celebration of Life on Tuesday April 13 at 10 a.m. at Santa Paula Community Center 530 W. Main St. Service will be officiated by Pastor Roger Cervantes. Burial service will follow at SAnta Paula Cemetery. A donation to Santa Paula Little league, 590 W. Main St. PMB 217, may be made in lieu of flowers. Arrangements are by Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 738 East Santa Paula St., Santa Paula.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ventura County Star from Apr. 10 to Apr. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Manuel Mendez

23 Entries

Sally Lopez

April 18, 2010

Josie, Manuel, Jack & Debbie, My heart goes out to you. Manuel was one of a kind and had a heart of gold. My father was honored to have called him his best friend and we especially were honored to have had him as part of our family. May all the beautiful memories comfort you during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.
With Love Always,
Sally Ann Lopez

Sandra Ramirez

April 14, 2010

To all the Mendez family, we extend our deepest condolences and our prayers for strength.

Sandra Ramirez & family

Dr. Henry Martinez

April 13, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

GARY ORTIZ

April 13, 2010

TO THE MENDEZ FAMILY, MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO JOSIE AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY. WE ARE SO SAD TO HEAR ABOUT THE PASSING MANUEL. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. ( LUPE V.ORTIZ & GARY J. ORTIZ )

Diana Salazar & Family

April 13, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

April 13, 2010

Manuel \ Jackie, I just found out today the your dad past on to heaven,no one could of had a better dad, teacher and friend as you did in Manuel.

Ronnie Marquez, Santa Paula California

Ronnie Brooks

April 13, 2010

The Mendez Family , my condolences and prayers, Manuel was one of the finest men I have ever met. He will be missed.

April 13, 2010

Debbie, Jack & Manuel
Our prayers and sincere condolences are with you & all your family.
Peace be with you. Marisela, Julian & Dylan Gonzalez

Chylo Beltran

April 12, 2010

To the whole Mendez Family, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your father/grandfather... You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Rey Frutos

April 12, 2010

Mendez Family, El Señor Mendez was one of a kind. He will be missed dearly by all. He is now on the Supreme Rifle Squad! Our prayers are with you...

Marguerite Segovia

April 12, 2010

Mendez Family,
It was with a great sense of loss when we heard of Mr. Mendez passing. Mr. Mendez has always held the highest respect with my boys and myself. His consideration, his wisdom and his smile will always remain close to our hearts.

Margaret, Gil and Aaron Segovia

Jessica Estrada

April 12, 2010

I'll miss you Grandpa Manuel. Put in a good word for me and say hi to mom. Love you so much...

Linda Barrozo-Delatorre

April 11, 2010

Fina and family, so sorry to hear about Manuel. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. God bless you.

The Barrozo Family, Helen, Sonny, Linda, Bobby and Esther.

.

April 11, 2010

Mendez family, With sincere sympathy. Laurie, Mariya and Jeff DelRio

Marisela Hernandez

April 11, 2010

My Dearest Debbie:
It is without a doubt very difficult to say goodbye, especially when it is not expected. But remember, your dad will always be with you; just close your eyes and reflect back on the beautiful memories and blessings he has left you & your entire family.

April 11, 2010

Debbie,Jack and Family ,my prayers are with you at this time of sorrow and heartache.May the many many memories of your dad carry you all during this difficult time.My sincere condolences.God bless. Cynthia Del Rio and Family

Gloria Chupie Martinez-Hernandez

April 11, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Frank & Sylvia M. Velasquez, Ramona Mendez, Victor, Freddy & Jimmy Mendez

April 11, 2010

Manuel, Jack, & Debbie:
Just found out about Big Manuel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the whole family. Your dad was a good man and will be missed by all of us from Texas.

Daniel/Virginia casas

April 11, 2010

Manuel,Jackie,Debbie we are so sorry to read about the passing of your dad.He will be missed and rememberd in our prayers.

Henry/Alice Guevara

April 10, 2010

Dear Josie and the Mendez Family: You have our sincere cvondolences on the passing of Manuel (The Big "M"). He will be missed by everybody that knew him. Especially His KWVA cronies. I know he will be missed greatly by the Rifle Squad. God Bless the Big "M", you and the Mendez family. Our Prayers are with you all. Your Friends Henry and Alice Guevara

Carl & Cathy Barringer

April 10, 2010

Happy memories of working together, years of our children in Little league and our association win VFW. Sending our condolences.
Carl & Cathy Barringere

Robert & Josie Salas

April 10, 2010

Dear Josie M. and the entire Mendez family. It was with great saddness we read the obituary this morning. Manuel will be missed in Santa Paula and by those union members scattered throughout the county.
For us, it was also a pleasure to talk to him in the many Cardinal basketball games and other high school sports and functions he attended. As soon as he saw you a smile came to his face. He was an important community leader who worked silently for his Santa Paula. He generously gave financial gifts to Santa Paula High as well as others. He was admired as a veteran, a leader in his own family and our city. He was a great community model. He is in heaven now and we take this time to offer our sympathies to his family as we know God will give them strength.
Robert and Josie Salas

Ruben Frutos

April 10, 2010

Manuel, Jackie and Debbie, my condolences go out to your family. Mr. Mendez, was an icon in the city of Santa Paula and will be missed by alot of folks, mostly Santa Paula Little League, our prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results