Manuel Menezes
Manuel George Menezes of Newman passed away Oct. 16 at 90 years of age.
Mr. Menezes lived in the Newman-Gustine area most of his life. He worked as a truck driver for over 20 years, and after selling his milk-hauling business in the late 1950s turned his trucks into hay haulers. He eventually worked for Western Milk Transport and Kings County Trucking.
Mr. Menezes was a proud U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He served in France, Germany and the peaceful occupation of Japan. He was a 50-year member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and belonged to the American Legion.
Mr. Menezes was a founding member of the Newman Moose Lodge. He was a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and held a Pilgrim Degree, the highest honor the organization bestows on a member. He was also a member of Native Sons of the Golden West.
Mr. Menezes loved camping and hiking in Yosemite National Park, and took his last trek to see the falls at age 87. In his later years he enjoyed fishing, gardening and visiting with friends.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Menezes of Newman; three children; Carolyn (Bob) Mattos of Ceres, Kathleen (Steve) LePre of Newman and George (Belinda) Menezes of Los Banos; two step-daughters, Sharleen Rhoades of Turlock and Melodi Blanton of Nevada; a brother, Jack Menezes of Gustine; four sisters, Mary Louise Swanson of Turlock, Rose Fontes and Vang Castro, both of Gustine, and Laverne Rensch of Redwood City; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Burial was held Monday in San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.