Manuel "Joe" Bentancourt 56, of Amarillo, entered heaven's gates on January 16, 2010 in San Antonio, TX.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 6:00 pm Tuesday, January 19 in the Rector Funeral Home Osage Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 20 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Father Jose Gomez as celebrant. Burial will be at Llano East Cemetery. Arrangements are by Rector Funeral Home Osage Chapel, 2800 S. Osage St.

Manuel was born on January 30, 1953 in Kingsville to Raul and Maria Betancourt. They moved to Amarillo in 1965 where he resided until the time of his passing. He attended Caprock High School, and worked for Golden Spread Concrete for over 20 years.

Manuel's priority was his family, and he was very devoted to each one. He had a great sense of humor, and put a smile on the faces of many. He will by dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his father; and a son, Manuel Betancourt.

Survivors left to cherish his memories are 2 daughters, Gloria Betancourt-Sanchez and husband Arturo, Priscilla Bentancourt both of Amarillo; 4 sons, Joeeddie Betancourt, Gilbert Bentancourt, Michael Betancourt, and Mathew Betancourt all of Amarillo; his mother, Maria Betancourt also of Amarillo; 2 sisters, Maria Murguia and husband Jesus, and Susana Lozano and husband Rosalio all of Amarillo; 4 brothers, Raul Betancourt Jr of San Antonio, Juan Betancourt and wife Erma, Daniel Betancourt and wife Candy, and David Betancourt all of Amarillo; 11 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild; a special friend, Elvia Welch of Amarillo, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.