Manuel Carisalez

Manuel Carisalez passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday afternoon July 12, 2018 at the age of 89 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on a farm on July 28, 1928 in Thomaston, Texas (southeast of San Antonio) to Mr. Antonio and Juanita Carrisalez. His parents were both from the State of Jalisco, Mexico who came to the U.S. for a better life during the Mexican Revolution. Manuel was one of 10 children, 7 boys and 3 girls. Manuel is preceded in death by his grandson: Yanni Carrisalez. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years: Betty Carisalez; his children: Hector Carrisalez (Camie), Oscar Carrisalez (Helen), Sylvia Alarcon (Michael), Albert Carrisalez, Yolie Monte (Phillip); grandchildren: Diego, Dakota, Calysta, Matt, Andrew, Garrett, Megan; siblings: Angel Medrano, Albert Carrisalez, Lena Martinez as well as other loving family members and friends. Manuel grew up on a farm/ranch with his 9 siblings, where his passion for the outdoors was set in motion. He served in the Korean War at the age of 24, along with three of his brothers, one of whom was killed in the war. His training was at Fort Bliss before being stationed in South Korea. He received several decorations and commendations, including, but not limited to two bronze service stars for heroic achievement and for meritorious service. While in South Korea he took up a pen pal, often writing about Army life and reminiscing of farm life in quiet Thomaston, Texas. Though Manuel had never met his pen pal in person, their relationship blossomed through correspondence. This began with postcards, then an occasional letter, then 3 page letters of poems and famous quotes, then the sharing of photographs, and eventually small gifts venturing back and forth between South Korea and San Antonio. At times, it would take well over one month before receiving a response letter, with possible interference in mail routes through South Korea. Upon completion of his military service and return to the U.S. in July of 1954, Manuel immediately had an interest to visit San Antonio. He was determined to meet and seek the permission of Mr. Eustaquio Jimenez, the father of his pen pal. Manuel asked for permission to formally meet and eventually court his pen pal. Manuel and his pen pal (Betty Jimenez) attended outdoor dances at Brackenridge Park Pavilion, frequented movies and ice cream parlors and fell in love. They married at St. Anthony’s Shrine in San Antonio in December 9, 1956. The Shrine still exists today and will always be something special for the entire family. Manuel worked at Randolph Air Force Base in Civil Service for over 30 years. There he was known as Manny who led the Publishing Distribution Office. This provided him the means to establish a home near the St. Anthony’s Shrine, in a small neighborhood in Alamo Heights ISD. Their new home was not far from where Betty grew up, a small community then called Cementville. Manuel and Betty and 5 kids often attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. All five kids were baptized and received communion there. Coming from a farming and ranching family, Manuel had a strong work ethic. He believed that no matter one’s profession, one should always do their very best. He took pride in everything he did. He taught his children to adopt a similar attitude, even in weekly household chores. Till this day, the home has one of the most well manicured lawns on the block, the envy of the neighborhood. Manuel was always willing to lend a hand to others, no matter how large the task or project. He had never met a stranger. His sense of duty and service would often kick in when he noticed that a neighbor, friend, or relative needed help. You could always count on him to finish the job. He was all about action. Manuel would be one of the first to volunteer. He would put his heart and his very best in whatever assignment he agreed to help with. He would give much of himself to others. He would do this with enthusiasm, excitement, energy, and at times humor. Having Manuel help you out would take your mind off whatever was troubling you. He would do the heavy lifting and when appropriate, joke around. Rarely would he ask for any help in return. Manuel was a family man and instilled in his 5 children and 7 grandchildren an appreciation for service to others and the great outdoors. He taught his kids to appreciate simplicity like gardening, listening to the sound of a river, leaves rustling in the trees, the feel of a cool breeze, the sight of fire flies on a warm summer evening, or the laughter of children playing. His lesson was that all around you is lasting happiness, not in things nor in other people, but rather within yourself and to appreciate what is right in front of you and around you. He was known for his kind sense of humor and for his consistent weekend barbequing/grilling. Neighbors would say they could smell hickory burning with a scent of brisket, chicken, or beef fajitas lingering in the air. It was a clear indication that Manuel was in his backyard grilling. It could be 20 degrees in January or 98 degrees in August, and Manuel was persistent, always grilling. He was a Jedi Master of grilling. It was his way of relaxing in the late afternoons after a long early morning working on his lawn or a house project. Whoever came by and asked, hey what’s grilling? Would often receive an invitation to stay for dinner. He often hosted BBQ’s in celebration of his children’s birthdays, sometimes with a piñata. His children could always count on dad arranging birthday gifts, and Betty baking a cake with candles. Relatives, friends and / or neighbors would come over to join the celebration. Birthdays were something special that he enjoyed. He passed away a few weeks shy of his 90th birthday, which his children will celebrate with a Texas BBQ on July 28. Manuel spent his later years with his grandkids, rounding them up for visits to his small ranch in Sutherland Springs, Texas. There he enjoyed being outdoors, reminiscing of his younger years. He would herd his cows, all of which had a name. He enjoyed mending his barbed wire fences, chopping wood, tilling the soil with his tractor, planting trees, or crops. He remained quite active and fit for his age, thin, always tan, and an abundance of energy. He was most happy when he was busy with projects. Manuel was a wonderful father and a great husband of 61 years. His smile, kindness, humor, positive outlook, and wise counsel will greatly be missed. A visitation will begin on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 6:00pm at Sunset Funeral Home with a rosary beginning at 7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held the next day Thursday, July 26 at 10:00am at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 102 Lorenz Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209 with interment to follow