Manuel Tellez, of Oakdale

On July 2^nd, 2023, our uncle Manuel Tellez, went to meet God. Manuel was born on December 26, 1934, in San Antonio, Texas. One of nine children born on the westside, life was difficult, but his humble beginnings created a hardworking and compassionate individual. Like many young men in his circumstances, Manuel joined the U. S. Army where he found his calling as a nurse.

Uncle Manuel had a bit of a stubborn streak but that perseverance served him well. The majority of his career was spent at Terrell State Hospital in Texas, where he worked with the most intense cases of mental illness.

Manuel was sent to Tennessee for work where he met Mary Etta Hawn and fell in love. Mary was a feisty Tennessee girl with no interest in leaving her life and Manuel had no interest in living his without her. They married and created their happy life in Oakdale. They enjoyed traveling Tennessee and the surrounding states. Then Mary became ill. A retired nurse, Manuel’s skills once again became important. He cared for Mary until she could no longer stay in their home. When Mary went to Signature Healthcare of Rockwood, a devoted husband, Manuel visited her each day, sometimes twice, whether she recognized him or not.

Mary passed in 2016 and Manuel went on to live seven years without her. Although there were friendships and the support of his wonderful neighbors, we know Manuel missed Mary and we’d like to think she and their little dog Daisy, were there to greet him on his arrival in Heaven. 

The family will have a graveside service Friday, July 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Flat Fork Cemetery in Wartburg.

Schubert Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Manuel Tellez.