Manuel Joseph Vega

Manuel J. Vega, 92, a longtime resident of Junction City, Ks. died in the early morning hours of April 10, 2015 at his home in Lake Arthur, La. The eldest of nine children, he was born on July 9, 1922 to Jesus Maria Vega and his wife Mary Bernadette (Velarde) in Durango, Colo. He grew up in that city and graduated from Durango High School. With the advent of WWII, he joined the U.S. Army and was eventually stationed in England, where he met and married his beautiful “English Rose”, Audrey Shaw. November 3, 2015, would have marked their 70th wedding anniversary. After being stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, Manuel received an Honorable Discharge from the Army, and settled his family in Junction City. Manuel was a devout Catholic and member of St. Xavier’s Parish in Junction City, and for the last six years a member of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Lake Arthur. He was a Third Degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 1029 where he held many officer positions, including Grand Knight. He also was a member of the Monsignor Bradley Fourth Degree Assembly 298 and participated in their local and state activities. Manuel is survived by Audrey, his devoted wife of 69 years; three children: daughter Gloria O’Blanc and son-in-law Alton of Jennings, La.; daughter Susan Filson and son-in-law Jerry of Phoenix, Az.; and son Philip Vega and daughter-in-law Jolene of Junction City, Ks. His grandchildren include, Angela Mancuso of Junction City, Ks.; Kevin Sherwin of Lake Arthur, La.; Byron Filson of Phoenix, Az., Nigel Filson of New York, N.Y.; and Paul Vega of Seattle, Wash. Other immediate surviving family members include brothers John Vega and his wife Carol of Centennial, Colo.; Richard Vega and his wife Marie of Murray, Utah; Jim Vega and his wife Evelyn of Salt Lake City, Utah; and one sister Anita Perea of Salt Lake City, Utah. Manuel is also survived by five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Jesus and Bernadette; his sisters Irene Abeyta and Filipita Vega; brothers Isidore Vega and Louie Vega; granddaughter Julia Vega, and infant daughter Pamela Vega. Penwell Gabel Funeral Home is handling arrangements in Junction City. A Fourth Degree Honor Guard will serve their brother Knight and will recite the rosary on Thursday evening April 16th at 6:00 p.m. in the Penwell Gabel Funeral Home. A Mass of Resurrection will be said on Friday, April 17th at 10:00 a.m., at St. Xavier’s Catholic Church. Internment with full military honors will follow at St. Mary’sCemetery. The family would like to sincerely thank Mr. Vega’s dedicated caregivers and loving care – Mary Dupuis, Martha Cormier, Faithe Trahan, Francesca Green, Sissy Broussard and Sarah Monceaux; Drs. Patrick Griffith and James McNally and their efficient staff; Rusty Fontentot with Jeff Davis Home Health; Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care of Jennings, and Kevin Klein, Funeral Director, Miguez Funeral Home, Jennings, for his kindness and professional assistance. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Lake Arthur, LA