Victor Manuel Mendoza Marquez

Victor, affectionately know as Manuel, was a loving Dad, Grandpa, Tío, Hermano, Primo, Vecino, y Amigo.

He was born in Tlajomulco, Jalisco, México to his late parents Victor Mendoza and Victoria Marquez.

For a man who never knew his father, he would someday learn to be a great Dad.

Not long after he learned to walk, Manuel would discover his lifelong passion for the game of fútbol, which he learned to play in the streets of his hometown.

He immigrated to Los Angeles when he was seventeen, where he met Esther Mendoza, his wife of 15 years, and the mother of his children.

He is survived by his two daughters Esther Lyons and Diana Mendoza, his son-in-law Peter Lyons, his grandson Emiliano Guzman, and his ex-wife Esther Mendoza.

He is also survived by his beloved hermana, Soccoro Mendoza, his nephews and nieces who knew him as a father, and their children who knew him as a grandfather.

He was predeceased by his parents Victor Mendoza and Victoria Marquez, and his dear brother Alfonso Mendoza Marquez.

Manuel was an honorable man who valued stability and loyalty. He was recognized for his hard work and awarded for dedicating 35 years to Big Lots before he retired in 2012.

Selfless until the last day, Manuel will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his devotion to La Virgen de Guadalupe, and his enthusiasm for Soccer.

He was known as a disciplined player, a tough coach, and a diehard fan.

Deeply connected with his roots, his two favorite teams were The México National Team, and Chivas - the local club team from Guadalajara.

While he lived for soccer, he would have died for his family. And while he loved his Mexican heritage, he was proud to live in America.

He was a strong man, who valued, encouraged, and supported all the women in his life.

Reliable yet playful, disciplined yet positive, and strict yet supportive, Manuel possessed the playful spirit of a child, the gentle heart of a peace-maker, and the strong-willed discipline of a protector.

Manuel was the type of family man who supported you at all your school functions, always enjoyed sharing a Coca-Cola, loved going to the beach, never missed cheering you on at your game, and was always excited to take a celebratory shot of Tequila.

If you knew him, then can probably close your eyes right now and remember the sound of his laugh.

And while he is no longer with us physically, he will live forever in our hearts, and we thank God every day for blessing us with the precious years we had with Manuel.