Manuel Benavides Cerda

Manuel enlisted in the Marines Corps at the age of 17. He fought as a sergeant in the Korean War, and received the distinguished honor of the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic courage in saving many of his fellow Marines while under fire. He faithfully served his country, both during wartime and in the reserves for 17 years.

On June 27, 1954, Manuel married the love of his life, Petra Gatica. He delivered countless joys to San Antonio residents as a U.S. Postal Service carrier for 35 years. He also loved fishing and hunting, and enjoyed taking his whole extended family to South Padre Island each summer. One of his greatest accomplishments was building his dream home for his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Petra Gatica Cerda; his children, Belinda (Robert), Robert (Alma), Rosemary (Andrew), George (Janice), Marcus, and Javier (Jessica); his eleven grandchildren, Leslee, Christine, Robert, Alexander, Albert, Arlene, Katherine, Jaclyn, Jason, Nicholas and Catalina; and nine great-grandchildren.

Manuel was incredibly generous, an ever-dreamer and loved his wife with an inspirational love. The greatest joy of his life was his family. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and la Virgen de Guadalupe. They have welcomed him home to Glory.

A visitation will be held

from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.,

with a Rosary to be recited

at 7:00 p.m.

on Thursday, May 21, 2015

at Porter Loring Mortuary North,

2102 North Loop 1604 East, 78232.

A funeral Mass will be held

on Friday, May 22, 2015

at 10:30 a.m.

at St. Matthew's Catholic Church,

10703 Wurzbach Rd.,

San Antonio, TX 78230.

Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery at Cordi-Marian, 11624 Culebra, 78253.