Manuel Ledesma

Born on September 15, 1943, at a house on Pedernales Street in Austin, Texas, Manuel was a proud son of East Austin. He spent his childhood growing up at East Second Street, where he developed lifelong friendships, work ethic, and love for family that would define his life. A lifelong resident of Austin and the surrounding communities, he never lost his pride in the city he called home.

Manuel graduated from Johnston High School, where he excelled as an All-District baseball player and proudly remained a “Ram for Life.” He later attended Blinn Junior College before beginning a distinguished 38-year career with the Texas Education Agency, retiring as Director of Printing and Graphics. Retirement suited him well, but staying busy suited him even better. He found the perfect second career as a courtesy driver for Covert Ford, where his warm personality, endless stories, knowledge of Austin, and love of sports brightened the day of everyone who rode with him. He truly never met a stranger.

Sports were woven into every chapter of Manuel’s life. He was a proud member of the Jokers Athletic Club, where he played fast-pitch softball alongside lifelong friends and family. When his children began playing sports, he gladly traded his own playing days for coaching from the sidelines, creating memories that would last a lifetime. He remained a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, Texas Longhorns, and Johnston Rams. Some of his happiest days were spent tailgating with family and friends before Longhorn football games or cheering on UT baseball, where he enjoyed many years as season ticket holder.

Above all, Manuel treasured his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 45 years, Renee Espinoza Ledesma, and a proud father to Lanny Ledesma (Cris), Lorie Martínez (Steve), and Larry Ledesma (Sara). He also loved his stepsons as his own: Samuel Acuña (Aya), Joey Acuña (Cindy), and David Acuña.

Nothing brought him greater joy than being a grandfather to his grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Logan, and Luke Ledesma; Nicholas and Ryan Martínez (gf Alexa); Len, Alisa, Nicole (fi. Brendan Banda), Lauren (fi. Steve Sinclair), Joseph “JR,” and Breanna Acuña, Josh Kee (Lindsey); and his treasured great-grandchildren, Arabella Grace, Wyatt Kee and Augie Banda

Manuel was a devoted Catholic and faithful member of Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church. His faith guided his life, and he found joy in serving others, loving his family, and appreciating life’s simple blessings.

He believed in hard work and took pride in everything he did, whether it was keeping an immaculate yard, washing his car until it sparkled, working out at the gym, or taking his faithful four-legged companion, Elliemae, to the gym and for her daily walks. One of the highlights of his retirement was traveling to Europe with Renee, a trip he cherished and often spoke about with fondness.

Manuel never forgot where he came from. He loved sharing stories of Austin’s history, his East Austin neighborhood, and the people who helped shape his life. His smile, kindness, quick wit, and genuine interest in everyone he met left lasting impressions on countless people.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel Gandara Ledesma and Anita “Ann” Moreno Ledesma; his sister-in-law, Alice Ledesma; his brothers-in-law, John Ramos, Al Mendoza, and Robert Espinoza.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Renee Espinoza Ledesma; his children, Lanny Ledesma (Cris), Lorie Martínez (Steve), and Larry Ledesma (Sara); his stepsons, Samuel Acuña (Aya), Joey Acuña (Cindy), and David Acuña; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sisters, Rose Villasana (David) and Mary Ann Ramos; his brothers, James Ledesma and Joe Ledesma (Janett); his brothers-in-law, Pete Espinoza (Loretta) and Rick Espinoza (Susan); his sister-in-law, Rebecca Espinoza Mendoza; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

To know Manuel was to know someone who valued faith, family, friendship, and community above all else. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.