Manuel Leroy Blea

Manuel Leroy Blea, age 75, passed away peacefully at his home in Glendale, Arizona after a short illness on May 5, 2020. He was born in Mt Harris, Colorado on December 28, 1944. Manuel enlisted in the Army in November 1962. After his enlistment, he joined the Navy in 1966. He went to serve 4 combat tours in the Vietnam War. He remained a dedicated Navy man until he retired as an E7 Chief Engineman in 1986.

After retirement, Manuel joined the Arizona Department of Corrections. He was a correctional officer at Perryville Prison from 1999 to 2006.

Once retired from the state of Arizona, he dedicated all his free time to his many Veterans organizations. He was a member of the VFW Post 9400 Cooties, American Legion, Knights of Columbus (4th degree knight) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Manuel is survived by his Wife - Raquel Blea; Daughters - Julie Blea and Jacqueline Waters; Sisters – Rebecca Calvillo and Marta Evans, Brothers Carlos Blea, Amado Blea and John Blea

Grandchildren - Stephanie Waters, Kenneth Paul, Jason David Waters, Kyle Paul, Selina Morales, Dexter Morales, Mari Morales, Angel Palacios, Isabella Cruz and Carlos Cruz Jr.;

and Great Grandchildren - Justice Waters, Valerie Valadez and Madison Manley.

He was preceded in death by Jose Mercedes Blea (Father), Rosa Blea (Mother), Julia Mijagos (Sister), Jose Bernadino (brother), Santiago Blea (brother), Rosa Escobar (sister), Barbara Blea (sister), Edna Blea (sister), and Jason Waters (son).

Viewing will be Monday June 8, 2020 at 5 pm at Green Acres Funeral Home 5830 W Missouri Ave Glendale, AZ 85301. Rosary at 7 pm. Mass will be on Tuesday June 9, 2020 at 10 am OLPH Catholic Church at 5610 W Orangewood Glendale, AZ 85302. After mass will be the military honors at OLPH and he will be buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd Phoenix, AZ 85024.

Manuel will always be remembered for his quick wit and outgoing personality. He will be greatly missed by his many friends in the community and especially his family.