Manuel was born on January 12th, 1942 in Colorado City, Texas to Silberio and Seria Contreras.
Manuel attended Westbrook High School and graduated in 1961. He later attended L. A. Community College and received an Associate's Degree in Auto Mechanics. He went on to pursue his dream of becoming an entrepreneur and opened San Angelo Fabricators in 1977 and Angelo Commercial Restaurant Equipment in 2000. His companies specialized in commercial food service design and fabrication of stainless steel equipment. He ran both businesses successfully until he was forced to retire in 2016 due to his health.
Manuel married the love of his life, Helen Ramirez on May 20th, 1967 and had three children.
Manuel was a proud member of St. Margaret's Catholic Church and a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus. He had a passion for his family and his work. He will always be remembered for his innovation and design abilities to meet the specific needs of his customers. Manuel was more than a businessman, he was active as a volunteer scout and coach for sports such as baseball, basketball, and fast-pitch softball. He was a true Christian, devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend. He will be deeply missed.
Manuel is survived by his wife, Helen; daughter, Julie; sons, Michael, Christopher, and adopted son Carlos Lebron-Rivera; 9 grandchildren, Taylor, Madison, Noah, Luke, Evyn, Eli, Matteo, Carlos, and Naylia. He is also survived by his sisters, Anita Castro, Delia Mendoza, Mary Miller, Petra Cuevas, Grace Denhart, Jessie Alvarez, Janie Ornelas, and Valentina Gonzales; and brothers, Jose Contreras, Robert Contreras, and Paul Contreras.
Manuel was preceded in death by his parents, Silberio and Seria; brother, Paul; in-laws, Augustine and Julia Ramirez; and grandson, Matthew Hernandez.
A rosary for Manuel will be held at Johnson's Funeral Home on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, October 26, 2020 at St. Margaret's Catholic Church at 10:00 AM. Interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery will follow the mass.
Pallbearers will be Noah Contreras, Luke Contreras, Carlos Lebron-Rivera, Rick Ramirez, Marc Reyes, Anthony Alvarez, Anthony Ramirez, Ben Miller, Adam Gonzales, and Jerry Alvarez.
