Manuel "L.J." Saenz

God took Manuel Saenz in his sleep on December 7, 2014 at his home in Winton, California. He was born on October 1, 1950 to Eduardo and Margaret Saenz in Merced California. He attended Merced High School and was in the class of 1969. He served in the United States Army from 1969-1971 and was in Vietnam in 1970-1971. He was always proud to say he joined the Army and fought for his country with pride.He was known to many as “LJ”. He was a CBer for 40+ years. His hobbies were gambling, cb, motorcycles, and wrestling. He enjoyed listening to classic Rock and Roll and Country music. He enjoyed being around his family and sharing his Vietnam stories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eduardo and Margaret Saenz; his sisters, Isabel Lyon and Anita Saenz; and brother-in-law, Paul Lyon Sr.

He is survived by his wife and companion of 38 years, Viola Saenz; five daughters, Robie Bills (Doug) and Amanda Saenz both of Merced, Kathy Hogan (Justin) of Kent Washington, Cristina Bell (Troy) of Sand Springs, Oklahoma and Candice Smith (Gary) of Winton; sisters, Angie Saenz and Theresa Lemons both of Merced; eight grandsons and eight granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street Merced, California.