Manuel Leon Montoya

Manuel was born June 11th, 1949, in Las Vegas, New Mexico to Julia and Manuel, Sr. He grew up with his three sisters and two brothers.

After high school in Grants, New Mexico, he went on to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in 1967. He proudly served his beloved country with distinction as a machine gunner in the Vietnam War at the time of the Tet Offensive in 1968 and on through 1969, several times engaging in direct combat throughout the jungles of Southeast Asia in the 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions with his ever present M-60 machine gun. His actions earned him the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the highly respected Combat Action Ribbon from the Marine Corps. He attained the rank of Corporal in this relatively short period of his enlistment. The discipline, pride and patriotism he learned in the Marines never left him, and were central to his character.

After fulfilling his military obligation, he returned home to New Mexico. Within a year he married his sweetheart Cathy and began their own life together in the Land of Enchantment. He spent many years within the uranium mining industry operating heavy equipment and as a steel buyer before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with Cathy and their daughter Janine. Soon after, he continued his Federal service at the Hoover Dam. Much of his time there was assigned to the central warehouse providing equipment and supplies needed on a daily basis to keep all workers from hydroelectric mechanics to administrative staff operational, finally retiring in 2012.

He had a passion for his faith, his family, New Mexican Music, riding motorcycles, working with wood and all things Marine Corps.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Julia, father, Manuel, and sisters, Nickie and Cheryl.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cathy, their daughter Janine, son-in-law, Tim Hoffman, grandchildren, Jacob and wife, Caroline), Ashley, Chelsea and great-grandson Mason.

He will always be remembered, and live forever in our hearts!