Manuel G. Munoz

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated, and disciplined person. This description fairly accurately fits Manuel G. Munoz who was indeed one of that rare breed, a born leader. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical, and realistic, someone who was a born manager. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Manuel was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him, and let it be known just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Manuel knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Manuel was born on October 15, 1922. He first greeted the world in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. He was the son of Domingo Muñoz and Paula Galvan Muñoz. He grew up in Cuidad Juarez. Even as a youngster, Manuel learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life. His early life was filled with many exciting experiences.

As a young boy, Manuel was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the "Sergeant" of the family, always making sure that others did what they should do and that they avoided the things that they shouldn't. In other words, he liked to organize and direct; he was good at it. He was raised with one sibling. Manuel had one brother, Juan Muñoz. Manuel tried his best to allow for the oldest members of the family to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For him, this was the natural order of life.

Manuel’s matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Manuel enjoyed being part of teams and organizations, as well as groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Some of the sports he enjoyed playing during childhood included baseball and he was a Boy's Scouts.

He had a number of favorite pastimes, which included reading magazines and going to the movies.

Manuel was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. This is how he approached his friendships. Manuel loved animals, and it all started with his dog Chato, a Chihuahua he had for 20 years, and his family was also rounded out by his two other dogs, Blanca and Pepper.

Manuel felt comfortable taking charge in just about any situation. Whether it was at home or away, he maintained a take-charge attitude. When the family would travel or take vacations, he was always organized.

In school, Manuel was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Manuel was always good at following directions and meeting his deadlines, whether they were set by his teachers or self-imposed. Manuel’s personal motto could have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Benito Juarez in 1940. Manuel really enjoyed wood making projects.

While high school was to be taken seriously, Manuel knew that there was life outside of the classroom. He approached all of his leisure activities with the same straightforward approach that he used in school. Still, he enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. His interaction with others in his circle of friends seemed to keep everyone around him well-grounded. Those close to him came to expect his high standards.

Manuel seemed to have been born with a sense of responsibility. It seemed that no matter what he undertook, he treated it as though it were of the utmost importance. His sense of responsibility did not end there but flowed over into any number of other areas.

An objective and conscientious individual, Manuel reveled in the security of those closest to him. This was especially true with Bertha Milan Gomez. They exchange vows at Sagrado Corazon in Porvenir District Bravo, Mexico.

One of Manuel’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, as well as his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends. The couple made new friends during their years together.

A civic-minded person, Manuel was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. He was a member of several community groups. Being generous with his time and energy, Manuel liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset.

Manuel was ever watchful of his family. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for how each member developed. Some may have believed he was a bit overprotective because he maintained a firm hand in most family matters. But he would give his stamp of approval to any request, as long as he could see how it might be beneficial. He also had the ability to enforce the rules if and when they were needed. Manuel had nine children, five sons; James, Miguel, Lawrence, Hector, Martin and four daughters; Evangelina, Josefina, Rose, and Crystal.

Manuel was a proud parent. He would often be filled with pride because of the accomplishments of his children.

Manuel liked to believe that he provided a warm, safe and nurturing environment for his children. Manuel enjoyed family vacations, and also tried to teach responsibility when the family would travel.

Later, he was also blessed with nineteen grandchildren, Juanita, Challo, Sonia, Eva, Cathy, James Jr., Steven, Jennifer, Alberto, Crystal, Hector Jr., Jessica, Casandra, David, Anthony, Lawrence Jr., Alex, Mark, and Edwin.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Manuel was always striving to make improvements when they were necessary or productive. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, he was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Manuel upheld his high standards. His primary occupation was working as a chef (25 years chef, 10 years bartender, 10 years bus boy).

Manuel’s ability to take command of any type of task caused him to be popular around the workplace. Manuel was most definitely a team player. If you gave him a job, he would, without a doubt, get it done.

Manuel approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached other aspects of his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly as well as one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. Some of those included reading and dancing.

For Manuel, many things brought him a little bit of joy in life.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Manuel to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Manuel's loved to play and watch baseball. During his adulthood he participated in going fishing. He also enjoyed watching his favorite teams and events whenever he got the opportunity.

Faith was important to Manuel. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. He held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church for 30 years and San Innocent Church for another 30 years.

Manuel always seemed like the type of person who could look at a situation and determine the best route to take. His perspective on retirement was no different. Retirement finally arrived in 1983. He made sure that every detail had been pre-planned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Victorville, California.

Even in retirement he managed to keep in touch with old friends and make plenty of new ones.

In many ways, Manuel loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new and interesting activities.

Manuel Munoz left us on June 6, 2011. He passed away St. Mary's in Apple Valley, California. He was 88 years old. He is survived by his wife Bertha, four sons Miguel, Hector, Lawrence, and Martin, four daughters Evangelina, Josefina, Rosa, Crystal, and his nineteen grandchildren. Services were handled by Oakdale Mortuary. Manuel was laid to rest at Oakdale Memorial Park in Glendora, California.

All who knew him would agree that Manuel was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly planted on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Manuel G. Munoz did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched were given the chance to become a better person.