Manuel R. Villalobos Sr.

Manuel “Manny” Villalobos, Sr. passed away on Sunday, September 9, 2012 at the age of 83. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Donna Ann Villalobos, Estella Ortiz, granddaughter, Christine Campbell, sisters: Emma Quezada, Celia Bautista and brother, Hector Villalobos. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Francisca Villalobos, children JoAnn Villalobos, Alicia Ortiz and Manuel Villalobos, Jr. (Cynthia). Sisters, Elena Chavira (Ignacio), Raquel Torres, Amparo Hernandez, brother Pedro Villalobos and numerous nieces and nephews. He graduated from Bowie High School in 1948 and was a loyal bear. After high school, he enlisted in the Army while in California which opened doors to pursue his passion for boxing. Upon his discharge from the Army in 1950, he returned to El Paso where he resumed his amateur boxing career while joining the El Paso C.Y.O. boxing team. In 1952 while boxing for the CYO, he would win the El Paso Regional Golden Gloves Featherweight class division. Thereafter, he worked for the Dept of Nursing (civil service) at Wm. Beaumont Hospital for over 38 years. In 2002, he was inducted into the El Paso Boxing Hall of Fame. In addition to boxing, he loved bowling and participated in many leagues over 50 years. Besides sports, he loved dancing with his wife. He participated in the exercise program at UTEP for senior citizens. We would like to thank Yolie, Elizabeth, Lindsay from VNA and especially Sandy of Hospice for their attention and assistance. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Sunday, September 16, 2012 at Martin Funeral Home Central with a 6 p.m. rosary. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:45 at Santo Nino de Atocha Church. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.