Manuel O. De La Cruz

Services will be at 2:00 PM Wednesday, September 22 at Caprock Baptist Church with Gene Foster, pastor, officiating. Interment will be at Llano Cemetery with military honors rendered by DAV Ch. 26 of Amarillo. Arrangements are by Rector Funeral Home 2800 S. Osage St. Manuel was born on December 27, 1926 in Amarillo, and had resided here his entire life. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army, during WWII, followed by working for Santa Fe Railroad until his retirement. He married Ernestine Ortega on March 18, 1949, and was a member of Caprock Baptist Church. Family was an important part of his life, and he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He also took interest in wrestling and football, especially the Dallas Cowboys. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years; a son, Sammy; and a great granddaughter, Samantha. The family would like to convey their appreciation to all that cared for Manuel during his illness. This includes the staff at Hospice Care of the Southwest, Caprock Baptist Church, Johnny, Sammy, Joel, and Damien. Survivors include 3 daughters, Ruth Jimenez and husband Johnny, Vera Padilla and husband Paul, and Rebecca De La Cruz all of Amarillo; 2 sons, David De La Cruz and wife Delia of Irving, and Joel De La Cruz of Amarillo; a sister, Clarita De La Cruz of Glendale, AZ; 7 grandchildren, Sammy Gilliam, Damien Jimenez, Adrian, Yvette, and Aaron Padilla, Eric Cerda, and Anthony De La Cruz; great grandchildren, Joel De La Cruz Jr., Myria Chavez, Sebastian, Oscar, and Mia De La Cruz, Sabrina Jimenez, Gabriel, and Bre-Ann Manciaz, Mason Garcia, and Caitlyn and Maddie Padilla. The family suggests memorials be to Hospice Care of the Southwest.