Manuel H. Villalon

Beloved husband, father, Papa, brother, soldier, mentor, and friend, Manuel Horacio Villalon Jr., 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. With gratitude in his heart and faith in his soul, Manny's earthly journey came to an end as he went home to be with Jesus.

Born on August 8, 1949, to Felipa Gomez Villalon and Manuel Horacio Villalon Sr., Manny's life was shaped by both hardship and love. He lost his father when he was just eight months old and was blessed throughout his life by the strength and guidance of the remarkable women who helped raise him, including his beloved Aunt Hope, Eva, and Coco, and his second mother, Mrs. Annie Marshall, lovingly known as “The Old Lady”, who taught him valuable lessons about life, understanding, and love that he carried throughout his life.

Manny attended St. Joseph's Catholic School, spent part of his childhood living in Germany, and graduated from Killeen High School. His first job at Bell Music sparked a lifelong love of music that remained with him throughout his life. Although he attended junior college for a short time, his path soon changed when he was drafted into the United States Army, beginning a life of service that would define much of his journey.

At just twenty years old, Manny met the love of his life, Matey. Their love story began with a blind date and quickly became a partnership that would span more than five decades. He proposed in Brownsville, Texas, and they eloped to Yuma, Arizona, where they began building a life together. Throughout the years, Manny often credited Maria as his greatest blessing. In his own words, "What could I say to thank you for all the good things you are? God chose the best woman for me." To him, she was not only his wife, but his best friend, steadfast partner, and the heart of their family.

A lifelong learner, Manny never stopped pursuing knowledge. One of his favorite sayings was, “Knowledge is power and power is knowledge.” He believed deeply in education, self-improvement, and surrounding yourself with people who challenged your thinking and expanded your perspective. Alongside extensive military leadership and technical training, he attended the University of Texas, Central Texas College, the University of Alaska, and New Mexico State University, while also earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management from Southwest Institute.

For those who knew him best, Manny's greatest purpose was his family. Every decision he made, every sacrifice he endured, and every opportunity he pursued was rooted in his desire to provide, protect, and create a better life for those he loved. Whether serving his country or building a career, he carried a deep sense of responsibility and an unwavering commitment to the people who depended on him.

He found joy in listening to music, watching movies, collecting comic books, coins, baseball and football cards, reading books about the American West, and researching his family's ancestry. He had a curious mind, a generous heart, and a gift for storytelling that preserved family history and connected generations.

What defined Manny most was not his accomplishments, but the way he lived. He believed in doing the right thing, honoring his commitments, and giving his best in everything he pursued. His strength and steadfast values shaped not only his own life, but all those who knew him.

A Life of Service

Master Sergeant (MSG) Manuel H. Villalon, U.S. Army, Retired, honorably served his country for 24 years and 1 month, including distinguished service during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Throughout his military career, Manny served as both a respected leader and dedicated advocate for the soldiers entrusted to his care. As a First Sergeant, he was responsible for the welfare, readiness, and professional development of the men and women under his command.

His military honors included the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Army Achievement Medals, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, and numerous campaign, service, unit, and qualification awards. His Bronze Star recognized exceptionally meritorious service in support of U.S. Army Forces Central Command and the Multi-National Coalition during Operation Desert Storm.

A graduate of the Seventh U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officers Academy and the U.S. Army First Sergeant Course at the Sergeants Major Academy, Manny continuously pursued excellence throughout his military career. In 1980, he graduated as the Honor Graduate and Number One Graduate from the U.S. Air Force Technical Training Course in the Weather Technician Course (Forecasting). Known for his professionalism, technical expertise, and unwavering judgment, Manny had a remarkable ability to exceed expectations. Where others saw obstacles, he saw possibilities. He firmly believed that determination, discipline, and perseverance could accomplish almost anything. He lived that belief every day and instilled it in his family, teaching them that no goal was beyond reach for those willing to work for it.

Manny often said, “Not everyone will always like you, but they will respect you,” and he carried that philosophy throughout his life. He believed that doing what was right mattered more than anything. Those who served and worked alongside him knew him as a man of conviction, fairness, and unwavering principles who led by example and held himself to the same standards he expected of others.

After retiring from the Army, Manny continued his life of service through a remarkable career with Raytheon, where he spent more than 24 years supporting the Patriot Missile System program. He eventually became Director and Project Manager of a training institute responsible for preparing Saudi Arabian military officers and enlisted personnel. While his expertise earned him recognition as a trusted advisor, it was his character that people remembered most. Affectionately known as "Mr. Manny," he built relationships that transcended cultures and borders through his kindness, understanding, and sincere interest in others. Long after the lessons were taught, the friendships remained. His influence extended far beyond the classroom, touching lives across countries and cultures.

In 2007, the Veterans of Foreign Wars recognized Manny for his faithful support of fellow veterans and their families, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service.

His Greatest Achievement: Family

While Manny's professional accomplishments were remarkable, his greatest pride was his family.

Of all the titles he earned throughout his life, the ones he treasured most were husband, Dad, and Papa.

He loved fiercely, protected relentlessly, and gave selflessly. Every deployment, every move, every long day, and every career achievement was ultimately for his family. He worked hard not for recognition, but to create opportunities, stability, and a future for the people he loved most.

Family was not simply a priority in his life. It was the reason for it.

To his children and grandchildren, he was more than a father and Papa. He was their hero, protector, and teacher. He taught them through example, showing them what it meant to work hard, keep your word, and serve others. The lessons he shared, the stories he told, and the life he lived will continue to guide his family for generations to come.

To know Manny was to love him.

Survived By

Manny is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Villalon; his children, Vanessa A. Cardenas (Efrain), Melissa M. Villalon (Cesar Guerra), and James M. Villalon; his cherished grandchildren, Efrain Aaron Cardenas III, Calista Villalon-Cardenas, Victoria G. Villalon-Guerra, and Anna M. Villalon-Guerra; his siblings, Antonio "Tony" Villalon Jr. (Lisa), Beatrice Esparza (Romeo), and Henry Villalon (Georgina); and countless nieces, nephews, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Felipa Gomez Villalon and Manuel Horacio Villalon Sr., along with beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who welcomed him home.

Though his family grieves his absence, they find comfort in knowing that Manny lived with purpose, defined by LOVE, honor, and service. His legacy continues through the family he treasured, the soldiers he led, and the many lives he touched throughout his extraordinary life.

A Soldier's Duty May End, but a Father’s Love and Legacy Lives on Forever.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."Matthew 25:23

The Villalon family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the caregivers, nurses, physicians, and physical therapists who cared for Manny and supported our family. We are especially thankful to Center Well Home Health, The Hospitals of Providence Sierra and Transmountain, and the Department of Veterans Affairs for their exceptional care, compassion, and support.

Visitation

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Sunset Funeral Homes - Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Drive, El Paso, Texas 79904

Rosary

6:00 PM Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Sunset Funeral Homes - Northeast

Funeral Mass

11:30 AM Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, 4805 Byron Street, El Paso, Texas 79930

Committal Service

1:00 PM, Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79906