Manuel Aguilar Garcia Sr.

The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on May 5, 2020 at El Cajon cemetery. Due to COVID-19, attendance is limited.

Manuel was born on March 11,1933 in Tijuana, Mexico, to his mom and dad, Maria de Jesus Aguilar and Jesus Garcia Alvarez.

He grew up in Tecate, Mexico, on a ranch with his parents and 11 siblings.

He attended school in Mexico and as a young man, taught himself automotive mechanics, through the mail. He came to the United States at age 19 and worked as a busboy. After attending more night college, he began working as a welder for National Steele and Ship Building. He invented tools with steel and continued with automotive mechanics as a hobby, restoring his 1950’s flat bed truck. In the late 70’s he was invited to be part of a pit crew for a local racing team, where he traveled with them to assist with such races as the Baja 1000.

Later he attained certification to become a truck driver where he learned to drive heavy equipment for construction, such as tractors and water trucks. He worked on various sites around the county including many of the major freeways we drive on today.

Throughout his life he composed songs, played guitar and singing was a passion for him, especially karaoke where he was known as a Karaoke Hog.

Manuel was known for being an excellent provider, a beloved musician, animal lover and loved good food. His favorite color was turquoise blue, and he loved watching old western movies as well as Mexican movies from the 50’s.

Manuel is survived by 17 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, two sisters, three brothers, 4 children, 3 stepchildren, over 26 nieces and nephews and other family and friends.