Obituary of Manuel M. Diaz

Our beloved Manuel M. Diaz, age 77, was called home to our Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 21, 2021. 

He was born in Houston, TX on Christmas Eve of 1943 to Rosa Mosqueda Diaz and Frank L. Diaz. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents and his brothers Jesse Diaz, Fernando Diaz, Frank Diaz; his sister, Janie Diaz, and three infant brothers.

He is survived by his beloved sister, Frances Diaz, who was his primary caretaker for the last twenty years of his life; Lillie who was his loyal dog and constant companion; his brother Raymond and his wife, Mary; his sister Mary Alvarado and her husband, Joe; his sisters-in-law, Bertha Diaz and Mary Alice Diaz, and numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends.

Manuel had an excellent green thumb and enjoyed working in his yard and tending to his numerous flowers, especially his beautiful rose bushes. If he was in a particularly good mood he might even let you snip a couple of roses to take home.

Among his favorite hobbies was arts and crafts. Give Manuel any kind of material or medium and he could whip you up something amazing. From the little house coats he sewed for Lillie to wear in the winter, to throw pillows made from recycled denim jeans, and a doll house made entirely from pint sized milk cartons, he was a master at crafts. He could be found most Christmases at the church arts and crafts bazaar selling his crafts.

He waited anxiously everyday for his Meals on Wheels delivery. To be honest he didn’t much care for the food (let’s be honest Manuel would always prefer a Big Mac and a Pepsi) but he lived for the conversation. He would talk the ear off of the volunteers who delivered his meals because Manuel loved to have visitors. He loved to make people laugh. He was a happy soul. He always had a new story to tell you, a new joke to make you laugh, or a new gadget or collectible to show you. 

Twelve years ago Manuel became a first time dog owner when he received his beloved Lillie. Lillie filled his life with happiness and was his constant companion. He could often be seen taking Lillie for walks down to the end of the block, or just sitting on his porch with Lillie by his side. If he wasn’t on his porch you could find him in his recliner with the television tuned to wrestling or the History channel to catch the latest episode of The Curse of Oak Island.

Manuel Diaz was a tender soul. He was a beloved member of our family and although we will miss hearing his laughter everyday we take comfort in knowing he is once again with his beloved mother.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Texas Heart and Vascular, especially Dr. John Dieck, for their endless compassion and tireless efforts to keep Manuel comfortable and with us as long as possible.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-9:00 p.m. with Recitation of Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at Mission Funeral Home - South Side, 6204 S. First St., Austin, Texas.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at San Jose Catholic Church 2435 Oak Crest Blvd., Austin, Texas.  Burial will follow at Assumption Cemetery 3650 S. IH 35 Frontage Rd., Austin, Texas.

Rosary will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend to participate.  Follow link to Facebook Live Mission - South Side

Mass will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend to participate.  Follow link to San Jose Catholic Church.

Due to the Coronavirus /  COVID-19 Restrictions from the City of Austin,

capacity levels are restricted at funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries.

Each person entering the funeral home, church, and cemetery will be required to wear a mask

and to practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.   If you are ill or are concerned about the virus,

it is recommended that you not attend services. 

The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding, love, and support

during this very difficult time.