Manuel Antonio Bustamante, Age 89 Passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 24, 2024, in Ivins UT. Manny was born on July 30, 1934, in Belen New Mexico to parents Manuel Sr and Adelena Bustamante.
Manny served in the Navy as an aviation storekeeper on the USS Point Cruz during the Korean War. His ship had the unique experience of adopting a baby while at port in Korea. This story is documented in the book and film “1000 Men and a Baby” as well as the TV movie “Narrow Escape”. He distinguished himself as a Transportation Specialist in the US Postal Service with an honorable career of 34 years there. After retirement he moved to Southern Utah and volunteered in the “English as a Second Language” program at LaVerkin Elementary School, receiving commendations for his work with them.
Manny was the life of the party, entertaining family, friends, and neighbors with his unique and lively sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his son Manuel Jr, daughter Susan, sisters Lucy, Ruby, Rose, Stella and brothers Danny and Arthur. He is survived by his wife Barbara whom he married on November 26, 1991, in Reno Nevada, his brother LeRoy, his children Eileen Kret, Eileen O’Hara, Roy Womack, Kathy Starks, and his numerous
loving nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
A special acknowledgement of Manny’s recent caregiving goes out to the compassionate and exceptional treatment he received at the Southern Utah Veterans Home, his hospice teams through both CNS and Canyon Home Care and Hospice, as well as the McMillan Mortuary. Their loving kindness and respect made such a difference to Manny and to those who love him.
A celebration of Manny’s life will be held Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 10 am at the Park at Green ValleyClubhouse located at 545 S Valley View Dr St George UT 84770 near the pool lawn area.
