Manuel Espinoza

SURVIVORS:
His daughter Lillie Bermea, her daughter Erika Le Gay, her husband Kenny and son Aiden, from Niceville, Florida
His son Manuel J. Espinoza Jr. and his sons Emanuel John Espinoza, Manuel J. Espinoza III (Tray) of Houston, Texas and daughter Maddlyne Jeanette Espinoza of Austin, Texas
His son Ricardo Espinoza and his children Melissa Espinoza, Ricardo Espinoza Jr. (RJ), Adrianna from Lubbock, Texas.
His daughter Sylvia Leos and husband Paul Leos, their daughters Jessica and Jennifer from Waco, Texas.
His daughter Cristina Espinoza and her children De Ann, Chevy, Crystal, Miguel and Carlos from Waco, Texas
His son Johnny Espinoza from Houston, Texas

Manuel J. Espinoza Sr. was born to Belen and Edwardo Espinoza in Mexico, his mother passed away while he was still very young. He had two sisters, Rufina and Grifina, two brothers, Edwardo Jr. and Alberto Espinoza. Rufina took care of him until he decided to cross the border of Mexico into the United States around the age of ten. He and his buddy attempted to swim across, but his buddy drowned, so Dad turned back. He tried again a few days later, but this time he climbed under the bridge railroad tracks and got across upside down. Dad never attended school because he had to work. He learned to read on his own and worked all his life. Dad could build a house. He did his own plumbing and electrical work. Dad could fix any vehicle. Dad knew how to do many things and he learned it all on his own. He was a good provider for his wife Dominga Salinas Espinoza and all his children. Dad said he learned to read by working at a newspaper stand. He retired from compress work (making cotton bales) and never went to doctors until he fell and hit his head five years ago. He always wore a black hat, white long sleeve shirt, black pants and shoes, until his kids got a hold of him. He enjoyed his beer and cigarettes and loved Mexican food and music. He finally quit smoking and began going to church. Dad was a good man and Mom would have been very proud of him. Dad always had something positive to say.