Manuel "Papo" Bazán III, from San Antonio, Texas, was born February 4, 1946 and left to be with the Lord on May 31, 2020, at the age of 74.
Manuel was preceded in death by his father, Manuel Bazán Jr.; mother, Emma De La Garza; baby sister, Roberta; brothers-in-law, John Martinez and William McKinley; nephew, Daniel Xavier Bazán; and son-in-law, Robert Arceo Jr.
Manuel will be deeply missed by his loving wife of over 35 years, Mary Angela "Nanas"; his daughters, Krista Ochoa (Jesse), Kimberly Stafford, and Trisy Arceo; son, George Villanueva (Jennifer); and daughter, Elizabeth Santillan (Rene); grandchildren, Jessica, Miguel (Carolina), Risa, Christopher, Emilio, Bella, Amanda (Jonathan), Maria, Philip, John, Matthew, Vincent, Devin, Ryan (Liliana), Joseph, Marcos, Nathan, Dominic, and Eric; and great-grandchildren, Rosalie, Benjamin, and Micah. He also leaves behind his little sister, JoAnn McKinley; little brother, Francisco "Paco" Bazán (Carmen); sisters-in-law, Rose Martinez, Kathy Ayala (Robert), Theresa Martinez, and Rebecca Avey (Bill); brother-in-law, Michael Martinez (Gilda); nephew, Samuel Bazán (Dolores), as well as numerous extended family and friends.
Manuel graduated from Burbank High School in 1964, where he was a Drum Major for the mighty Bulldog band and rode around town as a member of the Aristocrats Car Club while "babysitting" his brother. Following high school, he proudly served our country with the United States Navy on the USS Saint Paul as a Journeyman 3rd Class journalist during Vietnam. Manuel thoroughly enjoyed learning (especially History), reading various genres (favorite authors were Patterson & Clancy), computers & playing World of Warcraft (sharing quests, gold, & rare horses so his grandkids could play along), obscure movies ("Day of The Triffids"…anyone?), randomly whipping out Italian to the waiter when none of us even knew he could speak it (Mangiamo!), and a good cup of coffee any time day or night (whole milk & 2 Splendas, please!). He cherished the camaraderie with everyone he met. He was a consummate salesman, exceedingly friendly, and extremely social. He loved to talk your ear off and tell colorfully detailed stories. Our Papo literally never met a stranger!
Most of all, Papo showed his love by never failing to SHOW UP. Weddings, anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, dance recitals and competitions, basketball games, band performances, enlistments, holiday celebrations, weekly family dinners…we could always depend on Papo. Whether he was giving directions (in his own unique way), spending time with grandkids & great-grandkids, moving children back & forth to countless locations all our lives, or rescuing family from a hurricane in a U-Haul for 29 hours straight…PAPO WAS THERE!
It was Papo's inherent nature to be the most kind, most supportive, most devoted, most forgiving, most generous soul we ever knew. He gladly and unconditionally gave whatever he could without hesitation, just to see you smile. Papo leaves behind a legacy of accepting anyone he met equally and with respect. There was no one with a bigger heart than our Papo. We will miss you terribly and love you forever. Until we're together again…"nana-nana-poo-poo"!
Visitation to honor & celebrate the life of Manuel Bazán III is Monday, June 8 from 9:00am-12:00pm at Castillo Mission Funeral Home (520 N General McMullen Drive, San Antonio, Texas). Prayer Service will be held at 11:00am, with Interment to follow at First Memorial Park Cemetery (20567 State Highway 16 South, Von Ormy, Texas).