Luis Donald Manzanares

Our beloved husband and dad, Luis “Donald” Manzanares, 81, passed away at his home in Castle Rock, Colorado on February 18th, 2022. Donald was born on February 9th, 1941, in Guadalupe, Colorado, the son of Luis and Elvira Manzanares.

Donald was born with a saxophone in hand! He was a natural performer bringing crowds to their feet. No matter where he played his sax, he created environments that radiated happiness and excitement. You could say he lived the life and dreams of a musician. He played some of the biggest clubs around Colorado and Los Angeles and was never shy to sit in with bands including The Champs (known for the song “Tequila”). He even performed at the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater. Donald also played the trumpet and was even in a mariachi band. He was versatile and could play his sax for any occasion.

After graduating from Adams State College with a master’s degree in education, he taught throughout New Mexico and Colorado. His methods, talent, and dedication to teaching created many beautiful memories for students. Donald loved to put together theatrical plays giving students an outlet from their studies. The Diary of Anne Frank, a production that packed the downtown Taos, NM auditorium, brought many audience members to tears. He also put together Miss Memory Lane, a girls talent pageant, which was a total success again crowding the entire high school gym. He created the high school yearbook program in Taos and continued the yearbook program at Castle Rock Junior High. He always made it a point to include everybody, all personnel, students, etc., in these programs. He put all his heart into teaching for 35+ years.

His love for his Spanish upbringing and history of the area where he grew up, produced numerous memories resulting in stories that he loved to share over and over keeping the listener curious and eager to find out more. You could always count on these stories being educational, having a moral, and making you laugh.

Donald struggled with sicknesses and disabilities due to an accident that he suffered nearly 40 years ago. What kept him going was his love for family, friends, and most importantly his devoted love to GOD for helping him through each day. Donald outlived and surprised us with his longevity. Now, after his battle he is in a better place.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Dixie Lea; his children, Donnie (Anastasiia) of Centennial, CO, Scottie of Maui, HI, Meshelle (Brian) Callahan of Dallas, GA, Dixie Nicole of Savannah, GA, and his grandchildren; Tiernen and Taitum Callahan of Dallas, GA, and Satori Manzanares of Castle Rock, CO.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Luis and Elvira, his brother Lafayette (Ida), and his two sons, Joseph and Christopher.

Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 4th, 2022, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 55 N. Jefferson St., Monument, CO 80132. A reception will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. in the church Fellowship Hall. Cemetery committal services will be held that afternoon at 1:00 p.m., at Cedar Hill Cemetery - 880 E. Wolfensberger Rd., Castle Rock, CO 80104

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OlingerAndrews.com for the Manzanares family.