Manuel Flores Casanova 91, beloved, a devoted husband, father, son, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed on to be with the Lord on Wednesday August 14, 2024, at the Baptist Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He was a gentleman with a height of 6'1" and slender built his entire life, with a lot of class. He was a great listener and a very humble man that was lovingly protective of his wife and sons. He lived a full and productive life and contributed much of his time and energy to his family and community.
Born to Jose Mamerto and Concepcion Flores Casanova in San Antonio, Texas on October 5, 1933.
Manuel grew up in San Antonio and attended St. Phillip grade school. He attended Central Catholic High School for two years and later graduated from Burbank High School. Soon after graduation, he began working as an engineer apprentice at Kelly Air Force Base.
He would continue working there for over forty years as an aircraft engineer working on the F100 engine and the C-5A Galaxy cargo aircraft. He travelled routinely to other air force bases throughout the United States to assist with various aircraft related projects. He received numerous awards including letters of commendation from President Jimmy Carter for Manuel's contributions to make government operations more efficient.
On July 7, 1957, Manuel and Gloria married at the Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in San Antonio. Together they raised four sons plus an adopted son. They were members of the St. James Catholic parish for over 60 years.
Manuel coached various Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) sports teams at St. James. He started the first CYO soccer league in San Antonio that became a success city wide. He was a big believer in catholic education and sent his sons to St. James Catholic School and later to Central Catholic High School.
Manuel contracted severe throat complications in his mid to late 30's but was able to recover fully from that precarious health condition because of some remarkable medical care and wonderful doctors. By the grace of God, it was a blessing that he stayed with us for another 50 years.
Manuel loved to barbecue chicken, sausage, and brisket regularly. He was a big fan of the Spurs and the Cowboys, always watching the games, and wearing team hats and jerseys. He also enjoyed playing the accordion and harmonica on Sunday mornings before mass. Also on weekends, Manuel would frequently take his mother Concepcion to visit her cousins in Floresville, Texas for coffee and sweets.
Manuel was an expert carpenter, a trade he learned in high school. He built about half of his current existing home in his spare time. He was also a semi-pro soccer player in his younger days and played at the Cotton bowl in Dallas, Texas. Manuel and Gloria enjoyed travelling into Mexico with friends and went all over the country from Monterrey to the Yucatan peninsula by either bus, train, or car.
Manuel and Gloria also loved to take part in arts and craft shows as vendors. Gloria sold dresses, guayaberas, travel bags and Manuel sold various types of hats. They participated in these weekend shows for over 25 years. This was a passion for Gloria and Manuel was there 100% to support his wife. In their white Dodge van "packed to the brim" with merchandise, they would participate in arts and craft shows in Helotes, Boerne, Seguin, Blanco, the Stock Show and Rodeo in San Antonio, and even shows at South Padre Island.
Manuel is preceded in death by his father Jose Mamerto Casanova, his mother Concepcion Flores Casanova, his older sister Concepcion (Connie) Garcia, and his older brother Joseph Alfred Casanova. Manuel was also a proud Canary Island descendant and talked often about the family's ancestry.
He is survived by his loving wife Gloria Martinez Casanova of 67 years, And his sons, Manuel M. Casanova Jr. (Carmen), Ralph David Casanova (Dina), Stephen Casanova (Jeanette), Joseph Frank Casanova , Malachi Isaiah Casanova, eight grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, numerous step grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to granddaughter Gloria Katrina Casanova who incredibly found the time and energy to take care of her grandfather during his illness with enormous love and kindness. We will be forever eternally grateful.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Ralph Casanova, Manuel Casanova III, Steve Casanova Jr., Marco Casanova, Isaiah Casanova, and Rudy Campos.
The Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024 at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino, 226 Cupples Rd., San Antonio,TX 78237 followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The Procession will depart from the funeral home on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. Mass of The Resurrection at St. James Catholic Church, 907 W Theo Ave, San Antonio,TX 78225. Interment will follow in San Fernando Cemetery III, 1735 Cupples Rd., San Antonio, TX 78226.
Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.funerariadelangelcupples.com
