Joe Vera, age 89, of Manhattan, died Tuesday November 12, 2019 at the Via Christi Village in Manhattan.
He was born on February 19, 1930 in Manhattan, the son of Frank and Elizabeth (Silva) Vera. On January 12, 1946 in San Francisco Del Rincon, Guanajuato, Mexico, he was united in marriage to Maria Gamino. She preceded Joe in death on March 25, 2000.
Joe worked at Griffith Lumber Company for many years. Joe left the lumber business to help Maria where they owned and operated the La Casa De Los Vera Mexican Restaurant in Manhattan from 1972 to 1991. He and Maria lived in Manhattan until 1997, he then lived in Topeka for a period of time before returning to Manhattan.
Joe was a member of the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan. He loved and supported the Kansas State Wildcats athletic program. Joe enjoyed watching baseball especially the KC Royals and Atlanta Braves. He also enjoyed all western movies, most especially those that included John Wayne.
In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his children, Joseph Robert Vera, Sandra Vera, and two infant children; one grandson, Teddy; his siblings, Ted Vera, Marcellina Zarazua, Josephine Vera, Lucia Jackson, Ernestina Arnett, Frances Myers, and Rachel Nehl.
Joe is survived by his children: Olga Madigan, Gerri Jennings, Tom Vera, Raul Vera, Gerard Vera, and Rodney Vera; his 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Beatrice Ayon, Virginia Perbeck, Frank Vera, and Anna Marie Yates.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday November 19, 2019 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
A Vigil Service will follow the visitation on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday November 20, 2019 at the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan, with Father Kerry Ninemire as the Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Sunrise Cemetery.