Irving Manuel

December 27, 1928 - June 5, 2014
LAFAYETTE - Funeral services were held for Irving Manuel, 85, of Lafayette, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist at 10 a.m., Monday, June 9. Burial followed in the St. John Cemetery.
Mr. Manuel died Thursday, June 5, 2014, at Lafayette General Medical Center. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. He was a graduate of Southwestern Louisiana Institute. After working for SLEMCO for over 30 years, he retired as Director of Engineering. He enjoyed watching University of Louisiana sports, woodworking, fishing and gardening. He was devoted to his wife, his children and his grandchildren. He was a hard-working, self-made man who will be remembered for his humility, selflessness and gentle spirit.
Survivors include two daughters, Karen M. Mitchell and her husband, Mark Sr., and Kimberly M. Bernard and her husband, Jon; one son, Lawrence Troy Manuel Sr. and his wife, Maria; two step-sisters, Zola McGee Doise and Joy McGee Strickland; one brother, Donald Manuel and his wife, Germaine; and five grandchildren, Lawrence Troy Manuel Jr., Celeste Manuel, Amanda Bates, Ian Bernard and Kelsey Bernard.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie Sylvester Manuel; his parents, Arcade and Olina Landreneau Manuel; his step-father, Willie McGee; two brothers, Albany “Benny” Manuel and Hubert Manuel; three sisters, Bernice Manuel Erwin, Nazel Manuel Guillory and Rosa Lou Manuel Doucet; one step-sister, Lillian McGee Young; and two step-brothers, Axion McGee and Ionel McGee.
Lectors were Celeste Manuel and Amanda Bates.
Gift bearers were Ian Bernard and Kelsey Bernard.
Tom Niel, organist, accompanied by Amy Adams, soloist, provided music for the services.
Pall bearers were Lawrence Troy Manuel Jr., Mark Mitchell Sr., Jon Alan Bernard, Lony Fabre, James Dupré and Carlton Manuel.
Memorial contributions can be made in Irving Manuel’s name to the Discalced Carmelite Sisters at 1250 Carmel Drive, Lafayette, Louisiana 70501.
Rev. Howard Blessing officiated.
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com.
Martin and Castille Funeral Home of Lafayette was in charge of arrangements.