Manuel Duran Sr, beloved husband, father, grand and great grandfather, went home after 82 years to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 13, 2024. He was born in Lytton Springs, TX to the late Pete and Victoria Duran. He will be truly missed in so many ways.

Everyone who knew Manuel knew that he was an extremely kind, loving, gentle and strong person, and that he loved his family very much. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Maria de Los Angeles Martinez Duran, his two daughters Irene Mitchell of Frisco, TX and Patricia Duran De Anda and husband Augustine Noe De Anda of Forney, TX, two sons, Manuel Duran Jr and wife Diane Duran of Lubbock, TX, and Ricardo (Ricky) Duran and wife Stephanie Duran of Plano, TX. Manuel also leaves behind two sisters, Herminia Capetillo and husband Norberto of Montclair, CA and Vicenta Gutierrez of Cochella, CA, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He will forever be in their hearts and missed every day very much.

Manuel grew up very fast and married very young. At age 18, he met Mary at a dance and fell immediately in love. It was truly love at first site and he was determined to spend the rest of his life with her. They started their life journey together in Lubbock, TX on December 18, 1960, and raised four wonderful children. He was an extremely hard worker, dedicated and determined to provide for his family and give them everything he possibly could. He retired as a crane operator from Capital Steel Inc. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world and he was unendingly proud of his four children.

Manuel was a true sportsman. His love for softball ran deep. He was a lifelong softball player especially when his sons joined him in the same sport when they became of age—he was living his best life with his boys. He was so passionate of the sport until he was introduced to golf in his 60's. He hung up his baseball bat and purchased a full set of golf clubs and taught himself to learn how to play the game and eventually, earning Player of the Year-President Flight in the PAGA Tournament in Lofland, Nevada. He absolutely loved traveling for the sport with his golf buddies. Manuel also enjoyed fishing, playing card games, dominoes, crossword puzzles and gambling (slot machines) with his precious wife in Las Vegas.

Manuel had a gift of making everyone feel like family. His friends describe Manuel as nothing but kind, loving, caring, warm, awesome, and wonderful. But really, he will be missed more than words can say.

Manuel was preceded in death by his precious grandchildren: Christopher Mitchell, Samantha Marie Duran and Joshua Noel De Anda whom he loved so dearly.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Heart Association - https://mygiving.heart.org/-/XTPMHHQM .

Funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, with Ftr. Martin Pina officiating. Burial will follow at Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park, Woodrow, Texas.  Cremation services are under the direction of House of Angels Funeral Home.