Manuel Duarte…August 5, 1928 – June 14, 2015

Mass of Christian burial for Lamar, Colorado resident, Manuel Duarte will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2015 at the St. Francis de Sales/Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Lamar, Colorado with Father Charles Sena officiating.  Interment will follow in the Fairmount Cemetery.   A rosary/scripture service will be held prior to the mass at 9:30 a.m. Visitation for Manuel will be from 1:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2015 at Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel in Lamar, Colorado.

Manuel Duarte was born on August 5, 1928 to Francisco and Juanita P. (Rodriquez) Duarte in Los Valles, California.  He passed away on June 14, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family at the age of 86.

Manuel was married to Matilda Vargas on September 11, 1949 in Raton, NM.  They were blessed with three children.  Manuel was an exceptional gardener and was proud of his gardening talents.  Manuel was a member of the Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife, Matilda Duarte of the home; daughter, Aurelia Gomez of Garden City, Kansas; son, Manuel Duarte Jr. and wife, Mary of Kansas City, Missouri; seven grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Enedina Dominguez; and two brothers, Gilbert and Guadalupe.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lamar Area Hospice or the American Cancer Society in care of Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 950, Lamar, CO 81052

For more information or to leave online condolences please visit www.valleymemorialfc.com.