Manuel M. Perez, 75, passed away December 20, 2020, at Salina Regional Hospital, Salina.
He was born March 4, 1945, in Kinsley, the son of Clemente Rincon and Lucille Mariche Perez.
Prior to moving to Salina in 2008, he was a lifetime area resident and worked as an equipment operator specialist for the Kansas Department of Transportation. He graduated from Kinsley High School before being drafted into the United States Army in 1965. He ranked as an E-5 Sergeant in the Vietnam War where he served as a radioteletype operator. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the VFW, and American Legion, all of Larned. He enjoyed bowling, playing softball, and played men’s league basketball. Spending time with family, and watching his children and grandchildren play sports was his favorite past time. He loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals.
On July 9, 1973, he married Marlyn A. Johnson in Larned; she survives.
Other survivors include: two sons, Chad (Melanie) Perez, Salina, Nathan (Lacey) Perez, Prairie Village; a daughter, Kimberly (C.J.) Korf, Hugoton; two brothers, Raymond (Cindy) Perez and Anthony (Darla) Perez, both of Larned; two sisters, Eleanor (Leon) Sanders, Larned, Linda (Frank) Garcia, Wichita; nine grandchildren, Darian Perez, Sheldon Perez, Kyler Perez, Mitchell Perez, Reid Perez, Hailey Devine, Colby Korf, Jayden Korf, Jayce Korf, and one on the way; and two great grandchildren, Traelee Brock, Taizley Brock, and one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Felix Perez, Guadalupe Perez Sr., Pete Perez, Francisco Perez, John Perez, and Terry Perez; and two sisters, Trinidad Ruiz, and Jane Bronson.
Due to Covid-19, a private family service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 24, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Bernard Felix presiding. Service will be viewable via Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/beckwithmortuary. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Military graveside rites will be presented following the service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Larned.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550.