Manuel Mendez

Manuel Mendez passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at the age of 77 years in Bixby, Oklahoma. Manuel was born on December 15, 1942, in Luling, TX to his parents, Juan and Juanita (Ybarra) Mendez on a ranch called "El Rancho Escudo". He was delivered by his grandmother.

During his childhood he played right-field in baseball, and also played the trumpet. As he got older, you could always find Manuel out with his crew. They had a few names for him too, such as "Speedy," King of the Rats and "Mr. Monk," king of the Monkeys.

He had many jobs throughout his career, working mainly as a maintenance refrigeration specialist. Some of his memorable jobs were working at Bama Pie, Chili Bowl, John Zink, Oral Roberts University, and Embassy Suites. He retired from Mathey Dearman, this is the job that he loved most.

Manuel was really close to his grandchildren, and he loved dancing and playing with them. He loved dancing "The Stroll" with his wife Carmen in the living room with his grandchildren around. He really enjoyed attending activities and sports of his grandchildren, letting them know that he was always there to support them. Some things that he loved to do the most with them were any activities outside like taking walks, yard work, cooking out with family and friends, going to Mayfest and Octoberfest.

He loved all living things, especially dogs. However, he always said cats hated him. Some of his dogs were, Duke, his golden retriever the daffodil slayer, Nikki the Rottweiler and his two pugs, Smokey and Sassy.Some of his favorite foods were QT taquitos, burritos from Taco Bueno, Braum's milkshakes, and sweets from the panadería. He loved John Wayne and all Westerns. The Texan Longhorns were his favorite, but he liked watching sports in general. He liked listening to music, especially "solid gold oldies,” and would always sing the deep bass parts.

Some of his favorite trips included going to Texas to see family, where he would always stop and take pictures of the blue bonnets on the side of the road with his grandchildren, and trips to California and Mexico. He loved getting together with family for the holidays.

Manuel had the best personality. He was always telling jokes like "pull my finger” that was popular with the little ones. He was always kind and respectful, and had wise words and advice to share. He had a positive outlook on life and firmly believed that every action has a reaction, whether good or bad.

If there were 5 words that would describe Manuel they would be Funny, Respect, Love, Comfort and Wise.

Some things that he always liked to say were, "Blood is thicker than water,” "Is that right?" and "You can learn a lot from someone's handshake.”

Manuel was predeceased by his parents Juan and Juanita (Ybarra) Mendez, his son Juan Mendez III, and his wife of 38 years, Mary Carmen Mendez.

Manuel leaves many loving memories with his family, his wife Christie Mendez, children; Adam Mendez of Tulsa, OK, Melissa and the late Larry Malone of Bixby, OK, Lori and David Hanslovan of Claremore, OK and Chris Mendez of Owasso, OK, grandchildren; Matt Mendez of Broken Arrow, OK, Andrea and Mark Heck of Jenks, OK, Jennifer and Jason Thomas of Edmond, OK, Jessica Bowline and Jay Males of Glenpool, OK, Tyler and Raquel Hanslovan of Broken Arrow, OK, J.D. Hanslovan and Ashley King of Coweta, OK, and Caitlyn Hanslovan of Claremore, OK, Cody Mendez of Palm Springs, CA, his siblings; Antonio and Julie Mendez of Lockhart, TX, Jesus and Linda Mendez of Luling, TX, Gloria Lopez of Luling, TX, Juan and Rosie Mendez of Lockhart, TX, and Mary and Keno Saavedra of Carrollton, TX, along with many other loving relatives and a host of friends.

A funeral for Manuel will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Schaudt's Glenpool Funeral Service.