Manuel Ballesteros

Manuel Ballesteros, 80, having lived an eventful life filled with great memories passed away peacefully on February 22, 2008 in Conroe, TX. All pain has been replaced with a new body as he now shares a home in heaven with the love of his life, Esther. He is also preceded in death by his father and mother, Ascencio and Elena Leal Ballesteros and brothers Gustavo Ballesteros and Francisco Ballesteros. Manuel was born in Monterrey, Mexico on April 5, 1927, the youngest of five children. Working odd jobs, he found his own way to America, arriving in San Benito at the age of only 14. He joined the United States Marines, proudly serving the country he proclaimed allegiance to. His greatest treasure was marrying Esther Canas in December of 1950. Together they started a family in San Benito and Texas City and raised three sons, moving to Conroe in 1964. Manuel was self-taught, smart, famously witty, direct, and wise. He worked as a printer in the newspaper industry, retiring from the Houston Chronicle after 29 years of service. Though Esther passed away after 48 years of marriage, in his heart, they were married forever. Stubborn and proud, loving and loyal, Manuel is survived by son and his wife Mario A. and Linda Ballesteros of Katy, TX; son and his partner Jaime Ballesteros and Stan Stansbury of Concord, CA; son and his wife Martin R. and Teresa Ballesteros of Huntsville, TX. His adored grandchildren include Mario R. Ballesteros of Houston, TX; Sean M. Ballesteros and his wife, Kim of San Antonio, TX; Brad M. Ballesteros of Huntsville, TX and Laura R. Ballesteros of Huntsville, TX. In his later years he enjoyed “little booger”, great grandson, Lyle Austin Ballesteros of San Antonio TX. Also surviving are sisters Elena Guerra and Aurora Martinez, both of Monterrey, Mexico; sister-in-law Maria de Jesus Ballesteros of Harlingen, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews he held very dear. The family is especially grateful to Candee Foster for her humor, kind expressions of love, and compassion extended to their father in his last days. Family will receive visitors Friday, February 29, 2008 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Willis, TX. Services will be held Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 2:00 PM. in the Chapel at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Willis. Interment will follow at Forest Park, The Woodlands, TX. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in his name to the American Diabetes Association.

Manuel Ballesteros

April 5, 1927 - March 1, 2008