Alvaro Ramirez Mandujano

ODESSA - Alvaro Ramirez Mandujano, of Coyanosa, died Dec. 30, 2020, in Odessa. He was born to Tobias and Josefine Mandujano of La Mesita, Apaseo el Alto, Guanajuato Mexico on June 11, 1944. As a young man he came to the United States and worked as a bracero across the states. He returned to Mexico and married his best friend, Cecilia Sanchez, on May 11, 1966.

In 1973, he missed a bus to Dallas and ended up in San Angelo. That incident was the start of his farming career. He was hired by Herbert Hoelscher as a work hand and a year later followed his son, Clifford, to St. Lawrence. He learned all things farming from Clifford. In 1975, Clifford and Joyce helped reunite him with his family by doing what many could only imagine. This story and act of kindness would never be forgotten. On Nov. 16, 1977, the family arrived in Coyanosa and this became their home. He continued to farm with Clifford until the spring of 1982 but always remained extremely close to his friend.

In 1982, he was hired on with Alan Hohensee and Harvey Schwertner. After a few years of cotton farming he began planting watermelon and cantaloupe. Several years later (1989), he was blessed with another act of kindness given the opportunity to buy the farm. Slowly he began to build his farm along with his family. This was not a job for the weary but he worked hard and instilled his work ethic in each of his children.

Although he did not have a formal education himself, he encouraged his children to continue their own. He took such pride in their education knowing that his sacrifices had amounted to their successes. He was a kind and humble man whose smile would light up a room. He knew no stranger and was a friend to all. He gave of his time and gifts to those who needed it and never expected anything in return. Although he was the pillar of his family and will be extremely missed, in his honor his family will continue his legacy.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Cecilia Mandujano; children Jackeline Dominguez, Rafaela Diaz (Ray), Tony (Mari), Alvaro Jr, Armando (Michelle), Beto (Veronica), Diana Ramos (JD), Jamie, Porfirio, Jose (Clarissa) and Adan(Lupe) Mandujano. He leaves behind his precious grandchildren that he adored; Katie, Matthew, Ryan, and Nadia Dominguez, Aly, Stefan, and Alayna Diaz, Dayanna, Tadeo, Sebastian, and Myranda Mandujano, Mireya Mandujano, Mikaela, Miliana, and Mabelia Mandujano, Alfredo Mandujano, Sofia and Emma Mandujanoand Estella, Joaquin, Andres and Emilia Ramos.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tobias and Josefina Mandujano. His brothers Alfredo, Alfonso, Juan, sister Carolina and granddaughter, Angel Dominguez.

Funeral service was Jan. 5th at Our Lady of Guadalupe –Shrine with a private burial service in Coyanosa.