Manuel H. Munoz

Manuel H. “Nellie” Munoz, 82, passed away May 1, 2015. A lifelong resident of El Paso, Mr. Munoz was raised in Ysleta, Texas in the culture of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo, his beloved Tribe. He was the grandson of Juana Ortega, “La Reina of the Tribe”, during her brief reign following the death of her Father Manuel Ortega (Cacique or Chief). Manuel attended Bowie High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1950, he was a Corporal and Sgt. He was stationed in Oceanside, San Diego and at Camp Pendleton, California; Atami, Japan and saw combat in Central and North Korea with the 1st Shore Party Bn/1st Marine Division. Upon his return to the U.S. in 1954 he was stationed at Cold Weather Battalion, Bridgeport, California.His Citations and Awards include: Two Purple Heart Medals; United Nations Good Conduct Award; Korean Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; and the Sharpshooter Experts Medal. Manuel is survived by his wife of 62 years, Florine Brazzanovich Munoz and their four children,Michael Munoz (El Paso), Darlene Munoz Caravajal (Los Lunas, NM); Diane Munoz (El Paso) and Sylvia Maheux (Maryland), and Ronald Munoz (El Paso) deceased, 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Friends will be received for Visitation on Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 5-9pm at Hillcrest Funeral Home 1060 N. Carolina with Vigil at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 8, 2015 at 10am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to either of his two favorite charities: 2015 St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT 59004; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.