Obituary of Manuel Castañeda, Sr.

Our Beloved Manuel Castañeda, Sr., age 86, of Austin, Texas, was called by our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Casimiro “Shorty” and Inez Castañeda ; siblings, Concha Hernandez, Mary Ribera, Lupe Ribera, Rose Besa, Joe Castañeda, and Jesse Castañeda.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Rachel Castañeda; children, Manuel Castañeda, Jr. and wife, Janie, Jimmy Castañeda, Johnnie Castañeda and wife, Debra,  Edward Castañeda, and wife, Armandina, Robert Castañeda and wife Mary Ann, Yolanda Castañeda Valderrama, Linda Torres and husband, Joe, Casey Castañeda and wife, Isabel, and Maria Ojeda and husband, Richard; 27 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. Manuel is also survived by his sister, Doris Montoya, and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Manuel was a Master Upholsterer with over sixty-five years experience spending the last forty working from his home workshop known as "Manuel's Upholstery". His list of clients was endless and a majority of them were repeats and referrals from loyal customers.

As a young man, he was also a skilled accordion and guitar player and played as a member of several Conjunto bands that sometimes included his two brothers. He played along side his Compadres, the Montopolis Kid Johnny Degollado and Vicente Alonzo and remained very good friends with many of his other band friends for many years. He loved playing music and singing, especially to his wife, throughout his whole life and passed on his love of music by continuing to play, sing and share his skill with his nine children and many grandchildren.

Manuel enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys, the UT Longhorns but especially the Texas Rangers. He enjoyed his coffee and reading the newspaper every morning with his beautiful wife of 70 years. To his Grandchildren, he was a Professional light saber and cardboard sword maker, rock finder, toy repairer, stuffed animal pillow maker and most of all, a very patient hand holding Grandpa. He loved his wife, his family, Conjunto music - and sweets. Lots and lots of sweets. He was a #1 husband, best Daddy ever, Grandfather, friend, teacher, listener and so much more. There will never be another like him. There could never be.
 

Pallbearers:  Manuel Castañeda III, Daniel Castañeda, Jimmy Castañeda Jr., Sebastian Castañeda, Robert Benjamin Castañeda Jr, Raymond Gonzales Jr, Casey Adrian Castañeda, Andres Ojeda.
 

Honorary Pallbearers: Christopher Valderrama, Angela Castañeda, Diana Dawn Castañeda, Julian Castañeda, Sammy Gonzales, Alex Gonzales, Joseph Castañeda, Isaac Castañeda, Mateo Vela. 

Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., with Recitation of Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 8, 2018, at Mission Funeral Home - South Side, 6204 South 1^st  St., Austin, Texas. Scripture Service will begin at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 9, 2018, at Mission Funeral Home – South Side, 6204 South 1^st St., Austin, Texas. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S. IH 35 Frontage Rd., Austin, Texas.

Please visit www.missionmemorials.com to order flowers and offer condolences to the family.