Lakeside, Arizona resident Manuel Apodaca Acevedo passed away Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, in Show Low, Ariz. at the age of 91. Services were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Miami, Ariz. A viewing was held at 9 a.m with rosary at 9:30 a.m. Burial with military rites following the service at Miami Mountain Breeze Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Manuel was born in Miami, Ariz. to Antonio and Loreto (Apodaca) Acevedo. He married Billie M. Winans on February 14, 1950 in Miami at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. They were devoted members of OLBS where he lectored for many years. She preceded him in death on Dec. 8, 2017. Manuel served in the U.S. Air Force from 1947 to 1950 during World War II and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands.
Manuel retired from the Pinto Valley Copper Co. where he was the warehouse foreman. He was a member of St. Mary’s of the Angels Catholic Church in Pinetop, Ariz. Manuel was an Arizona Interscholastic Association official for 53 years refereeing multiple sports. He was also inducted into the Arizona Hispanic Sports Hall of Fame. During his life in Miami, Manuel served as Constable, President of the Lions Club and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed attending Happy Hour at El Rancho in Pinetop with his many friends and family and the many friends he made at breakfast at the Hon-Dah Resort Casino.
Manuel was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Billie; sisters Carmen Acevedo and Jennie Olds; brothers Lupe and Jimmy; and grandchildren Caasi and Seth Lopez. Manuel is survived by his sister Dora (Rudy) Andazola; sister-in-law Peggy Acevedo; two sons Bill (Linda), Edward (Sandy); daughters Debbie Barcon, Paulette Fongemie (Roger), Laurie Maxwell, Annette Lopez (Tony) and Janet Acevedo (Deedee). Manuel is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; his Aunt and Uncle Anita and Lupe Garcia and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe.
