Manuel Campos

Manuel “Manny” Campos passed peacefully on Thursday, July 27, 2023, after a long and fulfilling life. He was born to Lucas and Concepcion Campos in Waelder, Texas on October 9, 1928. After graduating from Karnes City High School, Manuel joined the United States Navy in March 1946 and attended the Navy’s Radioman School in San Diego.

In 1951, while on leave in Colorado City, Texas, Manuel met and fell in love with Carolina Castillo. The couple married on September 4, 1951.

One highlight of his naval career was installing the first teletype equipment on the island of American Samoa, which until that time used Morse telegraph for communication. Manuel received many commendations for his outstanding work throughout his career in the Navy and in 1963, was promoted to Master Chief Radioman. While serving on COMTRAPAC staff in San Diego, Manuel developed an interest in computer programming and during his off-duty hours completed courses in Computer Theory and Programming at San Diego City College.

Chief Campos retired on March 8, 1966, and in 1967, returned to Texas with his family, where he began his civilian career working as a computer operator with several different companies. In December 1968, Manuel began his career as a systems programmer with Baylor University Medical Center. He was instrumental in developing some of the more complex computer programs of the time, such as making it possible to enter patient data at the same time the patient was being admitted. He retired with Dart but continued working with personal computers – one of his favorite hobbies. He was always willing to repair or set up a computer when someone was in need for their business or personal use.

Manuel was a very outspoken person and was known for telling it like he saw it. He was a brilliant man and will be most remembered for his compassionate and giving nature. He rarely refused a plea for assistance whether it was computer or automobile work, financial assistance, charitable contributions, or dog-sitting, which almost always meant a new pet joining the family.

Manuel once ended a letter to a dear friend with this P.S.

“I was impressed with the fact that you cited the bible verses which I have always considered the ultimate lesson that Christ taught us in Matthew 25:40 (the King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did for me). I have always tried to live by that lesson.”

And he did.

Manuel is survived by his wife, Carolina Campos, of Mesquite, Texas, children Gloria Woodard, David Campos and wife Joyce, Stella Sharp and husband Marcus, Samuel Campos and wife Diana, Thomas Campos, grandchildren Stefanie Smith, Christell Baum, Cathy Anaya, Chad Williams, Kellee Krone, Casey Maute, Kimberly Ivey, Tracy Campos, Stephanie Campos, sisters, Isabel Willey, Connie Orona, Josie Garcia, Rita Campos and many nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and great- great grandchildren. Manuel is preceded in death by his father Lucas, mother Concepcion, brothers Juan, Roman, Emeterio, Leon, Jose, Lupe, Dennis, and granddaughter Carolyn Bishop.

A visitation for Manuel will be held Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home, 10501 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas. A rosary will occur Friday, August 4, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, 10501 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas. A funeral service will occur Friday, August 4, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 10501 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas. An interment will occur Friday, August 4, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 3900 Rowlett Road, Rowlett, Texas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Crane.com for the Campos family.