Manuel C. Pena

Manuel C. Pena age 91, of Mesa, Arizona, joined our heavenly father on May 1, 2004. He was born in Silao, Guanojuato Mexico on November 2, 1912 the first child of seven children born to Cleto and Natalia Pena. In 1917, the Pena family migrated to Mesa, Arizona to escape the Mexican Revolution and make a better life for their family. When his mother passed in 1926, he quit school at an early age to assist his father in supporting the family as he worked as a farm laborer. From the 1940's to 1950's he owned and operated a business as a farm laborer contractor. In 1942, in Casa Grande, AZ he was chosen as the Arizona's Champion Cotton Picker, in which he won a large trophy and belt buckle which he treasured dearly. In 1955, he began working in the construction industry where he was promoted to a foreman and then retired in 1975. Upon retirement in 1975, Manuel desired to serve his community and accepted a position in Mesa as a school cross guard located at Horne and University where he worked for 22 years serving Edison Elementary. During this time he received numerous awards including the declaration of "Manuel Pena" day at the school on several occasions. Manuel met Eloisa Munoz in 1932 and they and were married in July 15, 1935. During their nearly 69 years of marriage were blessed with 8 children and shared many wonderful memories with their family and friends. He was a man with great strength and admirable integrity. He taught us the value of family unity and to always share the blessings that God gave us with family, friends and others in need. Manuel loved to garden, dance and share his old stories of the good old days growing up as a boy. Our family was very fortunate to share our lives with such a loving and inspiring man and we will always cherish all the great memories of Manuel and keep his loving spirit within our hearts. Manuel was preceded in death by his son, Daniel "Danny" and his sisters Lupe Mesquita and Fina Sandoval. He is survived by his wife Eloisa, sons Manuel Jr., Adolfo "Dofie" and Ramon; daughters Angelita Pena Urness, Yolanda Pena Soliz; Sally Pena, and Rosanna Pena-Christensen; 16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren as well as his siblings, Emilia Munoz, Mercy Gonzales, Mike Pena and Frank Pena. The viewing will be held on Thursday May 6, 2004 from 9-10:00 AM at Meldrum Mortuary, located at 52 N. Macdonald St. in Mesa. The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday May 6, 2004 at 11:00 AM at Queen of Peace Church located at 141 N. Macdonald St. For additional information, please visit www.meldrummortuary.com