Manuel Paul Lena

Manuel Paul Lena, 87, passed away surrounded by the family he loved on Friday, December 30, 2011. He was the most honorable man we have ever known. A gentle, kind-hearted man who always put God and his family first – a man who was an honor to know as a friend and a blessing to be called his loved one. He was married to his wife Vilma for over 60 years and they built a home in Austin for their four kids and grandkids that he loved unconditionally.

Born in Bunkie, Louisiana, of Italian parents from Roccamena, Sicily, he grew up during the Depression. As a teen, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1942 and was proud of his service as a signalman on a variety of ships, in both the European and Pacific theaters.

After World War II, he returned to Bunkie and worked to put himself through college, first to Northwestern State University in Louisiana, then graduate work in accounting at UT Austin. He worked and retired as an international tax examiner for the IRS.

It has been said that God put him on earth to be a role model for his family and friends - God chose wisely. He was a quietly devout, avid practitioner of his Catholic faith. He knew that with God in his corner he could overcome any adversity that came his way. His values were rock solid, for he worked hard, was an emotionally strong man, and a wonderful listener. He was a rich man in non-monetary ways. A true treasure that God blessed us with, but called back too suddenly for family and friends he left behind.

You could always count on one thing - if one of his kids or grandkids was playing sports, performing in concerts or plays – he was in the audience watching. He loved fishing and hunting and shared those passions and fond memories with his family. He also loved model airplanes. He would painstakingly build these balsa wood planes and fly them with his grandkids. He also enjoyed going to airshows or just sitting near the airport watching planes take-off and land. He certainly passed on his love of aviation to his kids and grandkids.

He followed the Texas Longhorns, but was very passionate about LSU football – just ask about his "purple" socks. I guess he will have the best seat in the house for the LSU game on January 9th.

Manuel was preceded in death by his son, John Lena.

He is survived by his wife, Vilma Lena, sons Manuel Lena Jr. of Dallas, his wife Frances, Phil Lena of Round Rock, his wife Karen, and daughter Tricia Lena Travis and her husband Jim of Austin, and 7 grandkids: Charles, Robert & Mary Frances Lena; Paul and Kelsey Lena and Kristen Lena Buchanan and her husband Tyler Buchanan; and Kaitlin Travis and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rosary will be at 6:30 p.m., with visitation at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 1, at Weed-Corley-Fish, Lamar location. Services at noon Monday, January 2, St. Louis Catholic Church.