Juan Manuel Tijerina

Juan Manuel Tijerina, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the age of 72. He was born on November 23, 1953, in Austin, Texas, where he was raised alongside his many brothers and sisters.

Juan is a United States Army Veteran, and retired from Austin Independent school District, as a mechanic. He was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his family.

In his free time, Juan found joy in fishing, traveling out of state to gamble, and spending time with family and friends. He especially loved watching football and was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the University of Texas Longhorns.

Juan was preceded in death by his beloved first son, John Manuel Tijerina Jr.; his parents, Guillermo Hilburn Tijerina and Ofelia Mendez Estrada; his brothers, David Estrada Jr., Daniel Estrada, and Samuel Estrada; and his sisters, Lydia Gonzales and Rosanna Estrada; and grandson Mason Tijerina.

Juan is survived by his daughter Laura Lee Johnson (Leroy Malveaux), and his son, Mitchell Tijerina (Liza Tijerina); Mother of his children Mary L. Herrera, his grandchildren, Makaylia Arnold (Nick Arnold), Ashely M. Castillo-Tijerina, Mitchell L. Tijerina Jr.(Dariela), Marissa M. Tijerina, Madalyn M. Tijerina, Christian-Julian Vargas, Emberlee-Raine Johnson, and Preslee-Louise Johnson. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Willie Tijerina; Rose (Russ) Robinson; Josephine (Michael) D’Etcheverry; Lucille (Felix) Guiterrez; Robert (Blasa) Tijerina; Terry (Carlos) Hernandez; Roland (Mary) Tijerina; Maryann (Bobby) Hernandez; Diana (Juan) Hernandez; Patricia Estrada Luna; and Debra (Anthony) Zertuche. His great great grandchildren, and his many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers: Mitchell Sr, Mitchell Jr, Christian, Roy Gonzales, Richard Flores, Scott Leyendecker, Robert Tijerina Jr and Alan D'Etcheverry.

Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing and Rosary at Cook-Walden Funeral Home located at 6300 West William Cannon Dr Austin, TX 78749 on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with visitation with the family beginning at 4:00 p.m. Food and refreshments will be served.

Burial will follow on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209.