Manuel Plata Jr. entered into eternal rest May 6, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. Manuel was a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend to many. He lived a long and full life, never taking no for an answer and always doing whatever he set his mind to. Born July 31, 1925 on a farm in Rio Hondo to Otila and Manuel Plata, he grew up farming with his parents and 8 siblings. In 1945, he joined the United States Army. He was stationed in Korea until the end of 1946. When he returned home from the war, he attended trade school in San Benito where he learned how to weld. He married the love of his life Ofelia Garza on February 7th, 1949. Together they raised 5 children. Manuel farmed cotton and vegetables, trained racehorses, and operated a successful welding business. In the 1960’s, he moved his family to Houston where he worked dismantling railcars on the Houston Ship Channel. His work eventually took his family to Seadrift where he dismantled Navy ships in Port Lavaca. Manuel was a lifelong collector of odds and ends like many from his generation. He found a use for everything. He always had horses, goats, chickens and pigs, and for many years kept a large, beautiful garden where he would grow various fruits and vegetables. Manuel was an innovative and creative man. His ranch in Seadrift is where many generations of Plata’s have spent holidays, birthdays, and family celebrations over the years. He loved jokes and enjoyed making people laugh. Manuel developed dementia in his early 90’s and life became difficult for him as he was quite accustomed to taking care of things himself. He received care at the Hallettsville Rehabilitation Center for the last 3 years of his life. His wife Ofelia has never left his side. Manuel was a proud American, a lifelong Catholic, and loved the Dallas Cowboys. He watched the Triple Crown every year and enjoyed watching boxing every chance he could. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Manuel is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jose, Fidencio, Jesus, sisters Cecilia, Mary, Eloisa, grandson Manuel IV, and son in law John Salinas. Manuel is survived by his wife Ofelia, children Manuel III (Tonia), Norma (John), Hector (Helen), Fred, Beatrice (Ralph), 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.
A visitation and rosary in honor of Manuel will be held on Wednesday, May 11th from 5pm-7pm at the Richardson Colonial Funeral Home in Port Lavaca, with rosary beginning at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, May 12th at 11am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Seadrift, followed by a graveside at Seadrift Cemetery. The family will receive guests after the service at the St. Patrick community building.
Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.richardsoncolonial.com.
