Manuel "Cuate" Villa, Sr.

Manuel H. Villa Sr. also known as (Cuate) passed away at home surrounded by his family on December 15, 2023. Visitation is scheduled from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Tuesday December 26, 2023, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home followed by a vigil at 6:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Wednesday December 27, 2023, at San Jose Catholic Church with Fr. Juan Carlos Ramirez officiating.  Interment will take place at Santa Catarina Cemetery in Carlsbad NM. Denton-Wood is in charge of arrangements.  After the service the family will be gathering at the American Legion, 2605 Legion St.

Cuate was born on April 27, 1939 in Otis, New Mexico to Cruz H. and Martin Villa. He was born and raised on the family farm in Otis and went to school in Loving. After an ear infection that caused permanent nerve damage to his ear he went to The New Mexico School for the Deaf in Santa Fe, New Mexico for seven years.
He came back to Otis and begin to work on the family farm. He then went to work as a heavy equipment operator then became a truck driver for approximately 40 years. He was well known for driving his green 1951 Chevy pick up truck that he drove everyday
He was a member of the Caabellos Club which was for horseback riders. They would ride their horses at the 16th of September parade for several years. They would also compete amongst each other on events such as barrel racing and buddy barrel pick up.  He was a true cowboy, who would go horseback riding quite regularly and he knew how to do horse shoeing, branding cattle. He would go round up cattle in various ranches in the Carlsbad area. Cuate was a member of the San Jose Catholic Church.

After retirement he would spend most of his time with his family and would attend every family event or gathering. He was a happy go lucky man who would always lend a helping hand to whoever may need it. He enjoyed playing billiards with his family and friends.

Preceding him in death is his mother Cruz H. Villa his father Martin Villa Sr.  Brothers Joe Villa, Valentine Villa, Juan Villa, and Emilio Villa.

Cuate is survived by his daughter Deanna Villa, son Manuel Villa Jr. with wife Cynthia grandchildren Erica Gonzales with husband James, Manuel Villa lll, and Makayla Villa. Great granddaughters Elianna Gonzales and Elysa Gonzales. Sisters Virginia Levya, Lorenza Jordan, Feliciana Ybarra, Mereghilda Ramirez, Velia Estrada, Inez Quintela and brother Martin Villa Jr. along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Manuel Villa, III, James Gonzales, Benjamin Villa, Rogelio Ybarra Jr., Valentine Villa Jr., Eddy Villa, Phillip Estrada, Esteban Quintela Jr.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Deanna Villa, Manuel Villa, Jr., Cynthia Villa, Makayla Villa Erica Gonzales, Elianna Gonzales, Elysa Gonzales, Martin Villa Jr., Larry Luna