Eugene Benjamin Manzanares

Friday, Jul. 31, 2020

February 16, 1928 ~ July 1, 2020

Eugene Benjamin Manzanares, 92, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2020 from natural causes. 

He was born February 16, 1928 in Blanco, New Mexico to Mercedes Martinez Manzanares and Eudoro Manzanares. He married Jovita Gomez Manzanares January 5, 1951 in Salt Lake City. Gene was a faithful member of St. Martin de Porres Parish, and lived his life centered around his firm beliefs.

“Old Grandpa,” as he affectionately was known, enjoyed many things in life, but none more than the special relationships he formed with his grandkids and great-grandkids. Gene enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping, and as an avid prospector, he was always looking for the big treasure in the hills of New Mexico. He believed in the healing powers of the Osha root and used that as a remedy for many ailments. He loved collecting, repairing and playing his many violins, as well as trips to Wendover, mariachi music and a good bowl of menudo.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Jovita, his son Michael and his brother Senacio Manzanares. He is survived by his son Jim Manzanares (Valerie); grandchildren Aaron Manzanares, Nikki Spight (Daniel), Jamie Williams (Willie) and Mercedes Manzanares; great-grandchildren Brianna Green Manzanares, Jayda and Makhi Spight, Dylan, Ryder, Kylee, Preslee, Remi and Milo Williams and sister Martha Parker.

A funeral Mass was celebrated July 7 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Committal, Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

The family extends their love and gratitude to the wonderful caregivers at Carrington Court Memory Care, especially Debby Burke and hospice nurse Mindy Hutchison.

He will be greatly missed, but we’re at peace knowing that he is rejoicing in heaven.