Manuel A. Sedillos, 87, a Marine Corp Veteran and a resident of N. Hurley, NM entered eternal rest on Thursday, September, 11, 2025 at La Posada Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, NM. He was born on December 18, 1937 to Jesus and Luisa Sedillos. He was fourth of twelve children and had five brothers and six sisters. He graduated in 1957 (the 2nd graduating class) from Cobre High School. Manuel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1958. He served time in San Diego, Japan, The Philippines, Borneo, Australia and completed his service at El Toro Marine Corps Air Base in March 1962 with two good conduct awards. Manuel married Juanita on October 28, 1961 and raised their family in Hurley, NM. He worked as a custodian for Cobre Schools at Bayard Elementary where he is remembered by many students for being so kind. He went on to work for Kennecott Copper as a mortar mixer and brick cutter then Phelps Dodge where he retired in 1987.
He loved spending time with his family, whether it was going to picnics with his brothers and sisters and their families or sitting on his front porch with his cousins or kidding with his grandkids, great grandkids and nieces and nephews, he was happy.
His favorite time of year was chile season, starting with peeling and packing green chile to making ristras of dried red chile. He also liked playing cards, word search puzzles and playing dominos.
Dad never met a stranger, he greeted everyone. When asked why, he said "it's free, no me cuesta nada!".
He had many nicknames such as pops, brampa, uncle friend and more; but his favorite was Grandpa Attitude, named by Aria. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Manuel is survived by his loving wife Juanita of 63 years, three sons, Manny (Nina) Sedillos of Billings, MT, Ruben (Gloria) Sedillos of Las Cruces, NM, Ben (Andi) Sedillos of Ferndale, MI, and two daughters, Teresa "Terry" Holguin of Silver City, NM and Peggy Ortega of Las Cruces, NM. One brother, Jesus (Joyce) Sedillos, and five sisters, Ramona Munoz, Margaret Maldonado, Jennie (Clyde) Montes, Susie (Arthur) Pena, and Mary Lou Rios.
Grandchildren are Liz Harrison, Melinda Holguin and Mikie (Cassie) Holguin, Deandra (Allen) Cleveland, Andy (Stefanie) Sedillos, Manuel Jr (Stephany) Sedillos, James (Caitlen) Sedillos, Cody (Linda) Sedillos, Isaiah (Samantha) Sedillos, Erin Sedillos, Kristen (Brandon) Thomas and Jaden Kubaki-Sedillos.
Great grandchildren are Bella, Zeke, Nora, Jaxton, Aria, Corbin, Zoe, Anayah, Adalyn, Abel, Faith, Layah, Lilly, Grayson, Jayden, Ayana, Liana and Wyatt; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Tommy, Joe, Danny, and Albert Sedillos, sister Aurelia "Lela" Padilla: and in-laws Alberto and Belia Carbajal.
Visitations will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 11:00am – 12:00 pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the Holy Rosary commencing at 12:00pm, recited by Deacon Art Gutierrez. The Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 pm at Infant Jesus Shrine Catholic Church, with Father Casmir Anozie officiating. Following cremation, inurnment will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 11:00 am, at Fort Bayard National Cemetery, where he will receive full military honors. Pallbearers are James, Cody, Isaiah, Andy, and Jr Sedillos, Mikie Holguin, Brandon Thomas and Jaden Kubaki-Sedillos. Honorary Pallbearers are Liz, Melinda, Kristen, Erin, Deandra, all his great grandchildren Roman Florez and Luis Trujillo.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trust care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
