December 5, 1932 - October 28, 2024
Manuel passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on Monday, October 28. Manuel was born December 5, 1932 in Oakland California to Manuel Enrique Granados and Doreen Wilson Granados. He was the first born child and had two brothers and four sisters. As a young teen Manuel enjoyed playing sports, including pick up games of baseball and basketball. In addition, he played baseball, basketball and ran track in high school. He developed a strong work ethic, assisting his father who was a farm labor contractor in the northern and central California area.
Eventually he moved with his family to Fresno, California, where he was drafted into the United States Army in 1953. He served two years at Fort Lewis, Washington and was discharged in 1955. He often said that getting drafted into the army was the best thing that ever happened to him because it taught him discipline and helped him to grow up.
Manuel met the love of his life, Mary Moore in San Ramon, California in 1947 where their families were employed on the Bishop Ranch. They were married in 1956 and settled in Stockton California. Manuel was an avid 49ers and Giants fan and took his teams losses hard. Mary said that when she came home from church on Sundays, she could tell if the 49ers won or lost by his mood.
Manuel and Mary raised four children and eventually their family grew to include two son-in-law’s, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Manuel enjoyed spending time in his garden where he grew various types of tomatoes and peppers. In later years, his greatest joy was attending and cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events and school award ceremonies. In fact, he took such an interest in their sports he often knew the stats of his grandchildren and their teammates.
He relished family get togethers and barbecues where he enjoyed eating and listening to country music, especially Charlie Pride. He loves camping in the mountains and took his family every summer to Pinecrest Lake. Although he dropped out of high school, he had a strong desire to finish his education, often commenting that he wanted to graduate from high school before his kids. Eventually, he went back to night school while working full-time, and got his high school diploma, an associate in arts degree, and vocational teachers credential. While employed with the State of California, he advanced in various jobs working for the Department of Highways, Stockton Developmental Center, and the California Youth Authority, where he finished his career as a vocational landscape instructor.
Manuel is survived by his loving wife, Mary, four children Mark Granados, Tracy Pollard (Neil), David Granados, and Darlene Owens (Tim), five grandchildren Timmy Owens (Jacky), Amanda Owens, Austin Pollard (Ceara), Jessika McCaughern (Bobby), and Kyle Granados, and three great grandchildren Kash, Kolt and Sophia. Additionally he is survived by four sisters Sylvia Rodgers, Mary Lou Medel, Doreen Morales (Tony), Lori Chahal (Jesse), and many nieces and nephews.
Manuel was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Doreen, and his two brothers Gilbert and Alfred.
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 12:00pm on Tuesday, November 12th, 2024 at the Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 12:30pm on Tuesday, November 12th, 2024 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Granados family.