Manuel Cruz Martinez

Manuel Cruz Martinez, Jr. passed away peacefully in his home in El Paso, Texas on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at the age of 82 after a short battle with cancer.  Born in Fabens, Texas and the youngest of 6 children, Manuel is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel C., Sr. and Juanita of Marfa, Texas, brothers Robert Lee, Sr., Abelardo (Lalo), Hector, and Leonel (Leo), and his older sister Peggy all of El Paso.  He is survived by his loving wife of 52 wonderful years, Elena, children; Daniel and Yvonne, granddaughter, Marie and the family pet, Rosie.  

Manuel proudly served in the United States Army from January 16, 1961 until December 31, 1966 and attained the rank of Specialist/E-5.  Known to his extended family as Tio Nunie, he is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom all loved him dearly.  After his military service and a proud graduate of Bachelor's and Master's program at UTEP, Manuel was proud of the fact that he was a career-long teacher for the El Paso School District until his retirement in 2005.  During retirement, he enjoyed woodworking in his shop at home and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, resulting in numerous debates about which team was better with anyone who wasn't a Cowboys fan.

 Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with a Rosary at 6:00pm on Wednesday, October 04, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Drive.  Funeral Mass will begin at 9:00am on Thursday, October 05, 2023 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 10000 Pheasant Road,  Committal Service to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson.  

Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.  Please visit his online memorial at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.