Manuel Reyna, III, 55, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away in his home surrounded by his loved ones on the evening of November 6, 2022, after a fearless and lengthy battle with cancer.
Manuel was born February 13, 1967, to Manuel Reyna and Guadalupe Albiar in Lubbock, Texas. After Manuel graduated from Lubbock High School in 1985, he attended South Plains College while working at Sears in the lawn and garden department. He later graduated from The Lubbock Police Academy.
Manuel met Loli Guerra in 1987, later marrying her on August 10, 1991. Manuel and Loli went on to have three children: Christian, Ashley, and Aaron.
In 1989, he joined the Lubbock Police Department, serving in many divisions and retiring in 2013. That same year he joined the Lubbock District Attorney’s office as an Investigator and later ended his career in law enforcement in 2019.
During his lifetime Manuel was honored with many awards and commendations. Of the many he received, the recognitions reflecting his service to others were the ones he held most dear to his heart. He was recognized as the Big Brother of the Year by the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization in 1999. He received the Unsung Hero Award as the Officer of the Year for the Lubbock Police Department in 2002. Manuel was also selected as one of the Top 20 Hispanics in Lubbock in 2009.
In addition to protecting the community, Manuel volunteered, mentored, and served many local organizations such as the local Boys and Girls Club of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Tomorrow’s Leaders, and Open Door. He was a man of great faith, having served as a deacon and youth director for Colgate Bilingual Church of Christ for 17 years and continuing to serve the Lord at Quaker Avenue Church of Christ.
After retirement, he spent his days playing golf and coaching. Manuel coached Little League Baseball and travel baseball for a total of 18 years while also serving on the board of Western Little League in the most recent years. He was a sports enthusiast known to many as “Coach Manny.”
He has left a great impact on many lives. Of the many accolades Manuel received and the achievements he earned, his promotion to Glory is the greatest accomplishment of them all.
In addition to his parents, Manuel, Sr., and Guadalupe, Manuel leaves behind his beloved wife, Loli, of 31 years; daughters, Christian and Ashley; a son, Aaron; and a grandson, the apple of his eye, Mason. He also leaves behind two sisters, Mary Alice (Ray) Infante and Sylvia Ann (Raymond) Constancio, as well as his family of in-laws: mother-in-law, Angelica Guerra; two brothers-in-law, Eloy (Gracie) Guerra and Sergio (Kam) Guerra; and sister-in-law, Grace Guerra. Eleven nieces, three nephews, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins are also left to mourn Manuel.
The service will be held at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers on November 12, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. A private family gathering will take place at the same location Friday evening.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a cause Manuel felt strongly about, the UMC Cancer Center of Lubbock at www.umchealth system.com/giving/donate-to-umc.
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