Edless Manuel

Mr. Edless Bill Manuel, a resident of Opelousas, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 93, on February 27, 2013 of natural causes. Mr. Manuel was born on March 3, 1919 in Chataignier, Louisiana to parents Jumere and Aurora Manuel. After graduating from Eunice High School he attended the University of Arizona until the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He served his country during World War II as a member of the 41st Bombardment, 47th Bomb Squadron. He often spent afternoons reminiscing war stories, specifically in the Pacific with his grandchildren. On August 14, 1946, he married his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Soileau Ortego of Washington, Louisiana. Together they raised three children, Dale Ortego, Paul Manuel and Charlene Manuel. Bill worked for Abdallas furniture store for 25 years before proudly opening Carpetland, Inc. in 1965. For the past 48 years, he took great pride in his business and serving the community. Bill was a member of St. Landry Catholic Church where he served as an usher for over 30 years.

Bill Manuel, with his giving heart, quietly supported his church, his family and friends in need, never asking for anything in return. He truly lived his life by the advice he gave to his grandchildren, all you need is enough money to take care of your family, and a little bit extra to help others in need. His actions always demonstrated the true meaning of charity. Throughout his life, one of his favorite hobbies was fishing on his boat Charlie on the Atchafalaya River. He could always be found watching his fishing shows on television and if it wasnt fishing, he was listening and dancing to his favorite Cajun music. He loved his home, where for over 60 years he happily awaited spending holidays with his family. Bill was a devoutly spiritual man who knew and served the Lord. He started each morning with his friend Mother Angelica on EWTN and had memorized a list of over 200 friends and family members that he prayed for each day.

Mr. Manuel is survived by his three children, James Dale Ortego and wife Jolene of Beaumont, TX, Paul Brent Manuel and wife Mary of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Charlene Manuel Farish of Houston, TX. He is also survived by six grandchildren, James Dale Ortego Jr., Leah Skladal, Bobby Ortego, Chase Manuel, Caroline Farish and Christopher Farish. His great grandchildren include Samantha, Jessica and Christopher Skladal, and Nathan Ortego. He was preceded in death by his parents Jumere and Aurora Manuel, his wife Mary Soileau Ortego Manuel and his siblings Arseine McBride, Arsent Manuel, Lastie Manuel, Suzanne Drew and Duna Manuel.

A rosary for Edless Bill Manuel will be held on February 28, 2013 at 6:30 pm at LafondArdoin Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on March 1, 2013 in the St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana. Pallbearers include Dale Ortego, Paul Manuel, Dale Ortego Jr., Bobby Ortego, Chase Manuel and Christopher Farish. Interment will follow in the Holy Sepulcher Mausoleum in Opelousas. Special thanks to Deacon Sammy Diesi for his weekly communion visits, his lasting friendship and his spiritual guidance.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Februay 28, 2013, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LafondArdoin Funeral Home of Opelousas 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, 337 9422638 has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Visitation

Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home
2845 S. Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Thursday, February 28, 2013
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Service

Church

St. Landry Catholic Church
1020 North Main
Opelousas, LA  70570
Friday, March 1, 2013
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Holy Sepulcher Mausoleum
914 N. Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570