Reinaldo Manzanares Obituary

Reinaldo George Manzanares went with his Heavenly Father on February 20, 2022. He passed away peacefully in his home in Ignacio, Colorado surrounded by his family.

He was born to Senobia (Espinoza) and Mariano Manzanares on June 12, 1933 in Oxford Colorado. He married Susan Tucson in 1953.

George enlisted in the Korean War in 1950-1953. He was known as the youngest soldier at the tender age of 17 years old. He served in the 1st Cavalry Division and was an Airborne Ranger in the 101st Cavalry Regimen. He fought in Pork Chop Hill, known as the Battle of Seokhyeon-dong Northern Hill in China in 1953. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. He was wounded and received an honorary discharge.

He became a Police Officer in 1977 and Served and Protected with pride and dignity in Ignacio, Colorado; Antonito, Colorado, and Center Colorado.

He was a " Jack Of All Trades" from Truck Driving, Sheepherding, Construction, Fence Building to Tree Trimming. He was definitely a Hard Working Man.

His passion was Boxing. He started Boxing at the age of 8 years old and later started his own Amateur Club in Durango, Colorado in 1969. George's Independent Boxing Club became his pride and joy. He Coached many youth in Ignacio and the surrounding area as well as Center, Colorado; later turning many of his Boxers Professional and became a Professional Coach. He gave his time and energy to the youth and absolutely loved every single moment of it. He was quoted many times as saying " If I am able to take one kid off the street and make his/her life a little better, than I have done my part to better this world". He was awarded the Daily Points Of Light Award in August 2000 for his commitment to secure for all Americans especially the youth, the fundamental resources needed to lead a productive life. He received a letter of congratulations from President Bill Clinton in January 2001 for this prestigious award.

He never met a stranger that is for sure... simply due to the fact that he was blessed with the gift of Gab.

He was Beloved and will forever be engraved in our hearts and the hearts of the community he served and loved...Ignacio, Colorado.

He is preceded in death by his Parents, Siblings: Susie Lobato, Lillie, Teddie, Marion, Frank, Gilbert Manzanares and Eugene Silva. His Son Vincent Williams Manzanares and Connie Consuelo Servin.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years Susan Manzanares, Children; Carmen Luna of Visalia, California, Frances Rivera (Tony) of Aztec, New Mexico, Polly Guerra (Jose), Georgia Leon (Carlos), Lisa Manzanares all of Ignacio, Colorado and Reggie Maez (Audrey) of Bloomfield, New Mexico. 26 Grandchildren, 59 Great -Grandchildren and 7 Great -Great -Grandchildren

Siblings; Alice Martinez of Ignacio, Colorado, Margie Villegas of Grand Junction, Colorado, Lydia Manzanares of Anaheim, California, Willie (Polly) Manzanares of Clifton, Colorado, Andrew ( Julia) Garcia and Eddie (Cecilia) Garcia of Grand Junction, Colorado. Numerous Nieces and Nephews whom he "LOVED VERY MUCH SO".

Rosary will be held on Friday, March 4, 2022 at 6:30 P.M.

Catholic Mass Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 11:00 A.M.

St. Ignatius Catholic Parish 15449 Hwy. 172 Ignacio, Co. 81137

Rev. Fr. Cesar Arras, C.R. Theat.