Manuel Sundermann Galaviz

In 1954, when Manny was 13 yrs old, he moved to El Paso, Texas and attended Austin High School.

In 1967 he married Martha Dominguez. They later divorced.

He was a proud member of the United States Army. Manny served in Vietnam where he drew enemy fire away from his men, was shot in the process, and then went back to retrieve his men off the battlefield. Manny received the Purple Heart along with a Bronze Star and a Silver Star for gallantry.

Manny attended UTEP and was a Petroleum Engineer. He began his career at Superior Oil.

Superior Oil transferred him to CA where in 1980 he met and later married Anita Dodd.

Superior Oil was bought by Mobil Oil, Mobil Oil merged with Exxon and then Aera was split off of ExxonMobil. In 1999 Manny retired from Aera.

After retirement Manny spent several years working with the Liberty High School Football program in Bakersfield, CA.

Manny was interested in model trains, shooting pool, playing chess and he enjoyed woodworking.

Manny was an active member of Valley Baptist Church where he played his viola in the orchestra. He also played his viola in the Tehachapi Pops Orchestra. He enjoyed helping with various church outreach programs especially those involving the youth ministry.

He was a member of the prison ministry. Manny was passionate about going into the prison and presenting the story of Jesus to the Hispanic population. If not for Covid, Manny would have continued his ministry after his move back to Texas.

In December of 2019, Manny returned to Texas, the state he loved, where he enjoyed spending time with his family, sightseeing and watching the deer.

On the evening of February 9, 2022 Manny passed peacefully during his sleep.

Manny was preceded in death by his mother Elsa Sundermann Castillo, his father Rosalio Galaviz, an infant sister and his brother Rosalio A Galaviz.

Manny leaves behind his wife Anita, his children and grandchildren:

Manuel D Galaviz, his wife Becky, their children Santiago, Brooke and Bailey.

Cathryn Bodeman Dodd, her children Alexandrea and Kyndal.

Joseph M Lathrop, his wife Anya, their children Ian, Merrick and Oona.

Ricardo M Galaviz, his wife Marissa, their children Faye and Mira.

Brother in law Tom Dodd his wife Irene.

Siblings; Adolfo Galaviz, his wife Teresa. Rito A Galaviz, his wife Maria.

Sister-in-law Herminia Galaviz. Jose F Galaviz, his wife Estela. Victor M Galaviz, his wife Graciela.

Leticia Valles, her husband Arturo.

Manny also leaves behind many cousins, nephews, nieces and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers please go to:

https://ripeforharvest.org/ and make a donation to a cause that was dear to Manny's heart.

Sunshine Land Orphanage in El Fuerte, Sonaloa, Mexico.

Use the drop down menu on the donate page and look for:

Basoco, Jose and Maria #20165

Your donation to these children in need would be a great blessing to them and will carry on Manny's vision by supporting this orphanage.