Manuel Alejandro Apodaca

Manuel Alejandro Apodaca, 82, was received into the arms of his Lord, Jesus Christ, on June 21, 2026, in El Paso, Texas. Born on January 1, 1944, Manuel lived a life marked by love, devotion, and service. He always put his care of family first.

A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Manuel served four years during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he dedicated 27 years to Chevron Oil Company as a Tank Field Operator. His work ethic and commitment were a huge part of who he was.

Manny was a lifelong faithful Catholic who lived with hope and kindness every day. Even during a prolonged hospitalization toward the end of his life, he endured suffering with joy, offering smiles and kindness to all he encountered. Kisses from Tina, time spent with family, visits from priests, and getting to know the staff who tended to him kept him smiling until the end.

He was a graduate of Jefferson High School, class of 1963. While there, he was part of the football and wrestling team. He also was introduced to a lifelong love of carpentry. Just before he graduated, he asked Tina (who didn’t know him, yet) to sign his yearbook.

More than anything else (other than God) he loved his wife Tina of 56 years with total abandon. Their bond was an inspiration to everyone who knew them. Together, they raised three children: Alex Apodaca, Valerie Bowers (Sp. Eric Bowers), and Priscilla Allison (Sp. Luke Allison). Manuel loved his four grandchildren with all of his heart—Jabez Bowers, Everlyse Bowers, Jude Bowers, and Aya Isabella Allison.

Manny used his creativity toward home improvement, carpentry, and landscaping. He even appeared in a news segment sharing lawn care advice. He was always ready to laugh and get others to join him. He once joined Don Ho on stage in Honolulu to entertain the crowd with his jokes! Known for his thoughtful conversations and genuine care for others, Manuel “never met a stranger,” and always sought to connect with those around him. This is evident in the family friends who have thought of him as a second father or who remember times he gave them advice or made them feel heard or seen.

Manny’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. We know we need to move on without him, but we also really don’t want to, he was truly one in a million.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen