Manuel Mata

Manuel Mata, 92, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at St. Margaret's Hospital in Peru.

Mass of Christian burial will be on Wednesday, July 20, at St. Patrick church at 1:00 pm with Msgr. Mark Merdian officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00pm noon until the time of the mass at church. Burial will follow in St. Columba Cemetery with military honors.

Manuel was born April 20, 1930, in Savanah, IL to Manuel and Lupe (DeLeon) Mata. He married Victoria Suniga on December 24, 1951 at St. Columba Church in Ottawa.

Manuel served in the Army Corp of Engineers, Combat Battalion ECB 116 and served in the Korean War. He worked for 40 years, never missing a day, at Libby Owens Ford/Pilkington until his retirement on February 2, 1995. He enjoyed gardening, was a pet lover, and loved to play bingo. He was a member of St. Columba Church, the American Legion, and the Ottawa VFW.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Victoria; his daughters, Carol Ann Mata and Teresa Barron; his grandson, Zachary Barron; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Ray Mata and Mary (Tony) Comacho; and his border collie, Lucky and his cat, Lorelei.

Pallbearers will be from the Ottawa American Legion.

Memorials may be directed to the family.