Manuel Barajas Reyes was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Manuel will be remembered as a very exceptional person.
Manuel was born on September 4, 1920 in Los Angeles, California. He was the son of Francisco and Cecilia Reyes. Manuel grew up in Sanger.
Manuel was raised with 6 siblings. He had three brothers, Robert, Frank, Joe and three sisters, Mary, Inez, and DeLorez. Manuel was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.
As a young boy, Manuel had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. In his spare time he liked playing pool, loved fishing and visiting relatives. However, to Manuel, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.
Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Manuel enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. Later in life, he became friends with Manuel Vega and Mike Munoz, Sr.
On January 9, 1949 Manuel exchanged wedding vows with Virginia Mesa at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Fresno, California. Empathic and loyal, Manuel was committed to making his new family happy.
Manuel worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Manuel was blessed with 4 children, two sons, Manuel and Tony, and two daughters, Lupe and Mary. Mary passed away at the age of 2. Another blessing for Manuel was the gift of 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Fortunately, Manuel enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Manuel worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was Sheet Metal Woker. He was employed for Wagners and Owen's Brothers. Manuel always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.
Manuel was an Army Veteran. He was in the Army from Feburary 1944 to July 1946. Manuel saw action for two years during WWII. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of E-2. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.
Manuel enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuit was Billards. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
Manuel found pleasure in sports. Manuel was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were baseball and football. His favorite team was the Oakland Raiders.
Though he never set out to gain individual recognition he did receive many awards and trophies for his pool expertise.
Manuel enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included visiting relatives in Salinas, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
Manuel was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Three of his favorites were a Pomeranian, a Dachshund, and a Chihuahua. They were best friends for he had his Pomeranian for 15 years, his Dachshund for 6 years and his Chihuahua for 10 years.
In retirement, he found new pleasure in traveling, watching television, playing Billards and enjoyed fishing. Even in retirement, Manuel continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Manuel was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.
Manuel passed away on May 14, 2014 at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. Manuel fought a brave battle with pneumonia. He is survived by his children Manuel, Lupe and Tony and his wife, Cherice; his sisters, Mary and DeLorez; his 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at Tinkler Funeral Chapel & Crematory on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at 7:00pm. Funeral Services will be held at Tinkler Funeral Chapel & Crematory on Thursday, May 22, 2014, at 10:00am. Manuel will be laid to rest in Fresno Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Fresno, California.
Simply stated, Manuel was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Manuel leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Manuel Barajas Reyes.
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