Manuel L. "Meme" Espinosa

Manuel ("Meme") L. Espinosa, Jr., 77, of Austin, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, surrounded by his family. He was born August 8, 1935, in Austin, Texas, the son of the late Manuel U. and Theresa L. Espinosa. He was one of eight children. On April 23, 1954 he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Guerrero.

Manuel's interest and love of music came at an early age when he began playing the trumpet. In his musical career he played with Ruben Perez, Ramos y Guerrero (which later became Alfonso Ramos Band), Raza Humilda and Augustine Ramirez, and many others. His musical career earned him the "Idolos del Barrio" (Idols of the Neighborhood) lifetime achievement award presented to influential Latino musicians, promoters, and broadcasters from Austin, Texas. After retiring his trumpet he was employed by the Texas State Department of Health for 10 years and retired in 1999.

His precious daughters and sons survive him, Diane Espinosa, Theresa E. Vasquez (Johnny), Irene Espinosa, Yvonne E. Cantu, Guadalupe Espinosa (Jonathan), Manuel Espinosa (Belinda), Michael Espinoza (Diana), John Espinosa, Javier Espinosa, and Chris Espinosa; and by his growing family of 25 grandchildren, 31 great- grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Hortensia E. Velasquez and Rosie E. Herrera (Martin).

His in-laws also survive him, Janie Espinosa, Daniel Beltran, Olivia Guerrero, Stella and Ralph Rivera, Miguel Guerrero, Hippy Guerrero and Loretta Ross.

His loving wife, Mary Ann; his brothers, Raymond, Julian and Ernest Espinosa; his sisters, Sulema E. Hernandez and Belinda E. Beltran; and his brothers-in-law, Sylvester Velasquez, Henry (Hank) Guerrero preceded Mr. Espinosa in death.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Friday, July 19, 2013, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress with Recitation of the Holy Rosary to begin at 7:00 pm. Funeral Services 12:00 pm Saturday, July 20, 2013 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. David Medellin, Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Gonzalez, Dr. Paolo V. Venegoni (Cardiovascular Specialists of Texas), Dr. Thomas Blevins (Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology), Home Health Care (Mr. & Mrs. Michael Espinoza and Patricia January) and Odyssey Hospice (Crystal Martin and Jenny Peresta) for their gentle and loving dedication to our father.

Honoring Manuel and serving as Pallbearers will be Sandra Rivera, Cathy Gonzalez, Angela Medellin, Jennifer Flores, Jade Gonzales and Ciera Gonzales.