Manuel David Contreras

Manuel David Contreras, age 76, resident of La Porte, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025. Born on April 24, 1949, in Baytown, Texas, to Canuta and Miguel Contreras, Manuel lived a life marked by devotion, hard work, and deep love for his family and community.

He shared 54 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Sulema, a bond that was the cornerstone of his life. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering support.

Manuel dedicated 37 years of service at ExxonMobil, retiring as a Civil Maintenance Supervisor in 2009. His work ethic and leadership left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

A man of faith, Manuel was a life-long active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Baytown. He volunteered as a Youth Leader; he gave baptismal classes; then he joined the Movimiento Familiar Cristiano and led groups for 7-8 years. He also gave marriage preparation classes and became a member of the Guadalupana Altar Society. After many years he joined the Spirit of Love choir and found great joy in singing on Sundays. After services, he loved gathering with friends and family at Ricardo’s, continuing the tradition of fellowship and good food.

Manuel’s passions were rooted in the things that united his family and brought him closer to those he loved. He has been a proud season ticket holder for the Houston Texans since 2002, never missing a chance to tailgate and enjoy the crawfish season. He found excitement in casino trips with his compadres and treasured every moment spent at Disney World and Cancun with his grandchildren, creating memories that will live in their hearts.

Above all, Manuel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son and friend. His love for Sulema was evident in every gesture, every word, and every moment they shared. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and unwavering commitment to those he held dear.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by parents, Miguel and Canuta Contreras, brothers: Rudy Contreras, Sr. (wife, Alice), Miguel Contreras, Jr. (wife, Carmen), Jose Angel Contreras (wife, Beatrice), Rigoberto Contreras, Sr., sister Elida Villareal (husband, Oscar), brother-in-law John DelValle, nephews Rudy Contreras, Jr., and Felix DelValle, nieces Debra Contreras, and Nancy Villareal, father-in-law Esteban Garcia Sr. and brother-in-law Ruperto Garcia Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Sulema Contreras; his children Cynthia and Carlos Ustoy, Christina and James Villa Sr. and Elizabeth and Juan Reyna. His beloved grandchildren, Mikaela and Christian Thomas, Sofia Ustoy, Liliana Ustoy, Manuel Villa, Michael Villa, Meagan Gomez, James Villa Jr., Charlie Villa, Camila Reyna and Antonio Reyna. His sister, Irma del Valle, brothers Johnny Contreras (wife Mary) and Albert Contreras (wife Gladys), sister-in-law Lupe Contreras and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Grand View Funeral Home, located at 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505, on September 11, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a Rosary beginning at 6:30PM.

A Celebration of Mass will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, located at 1134 Beech St, Baytown, TX 77520, on September 12, 2025, at 11:00 am. Immediately following, he will be laid to rest at Grand View Memorial Park.