by R.J. Sanchez

Manuel M. Mireles was acknowledged at our service award dinner for having achieved his silver anniversary - 25 years of service at San Fernando Cemetery II. A dedicated worker, Manuel is known for getting the job done right the first time. He's not one to settle for second best and is known by his fellow workers as a man who strives for perfection. That has brought him the respect of his peers. When asked where he developed his commendable work ethic, he replied " My Dad, he was a produce market truck driver for 35 years and he used to say 'when you do something, Do it right!' And I have always remembered that and tried to follow that rule."
Manuel is a native San Antonian and comes from a family of 13 brothers and sisters. Manuel knows well the importance of work; he started out shortly after completing Mark Twain Middle school to help support his family. He has a good sense of humor and sometimes jokes about being called Junior (after his dad) even though he was the middle child.
A devoted family man, he and his wife, Alicia have three grown children and 5 grandchildren. He says he loves kids and you can expect to find a houseful of them on weekends when everyone seems to gather at their house.
Manuel has a lot of hobbies. He is an avid fisherman and loves to freshwater fish at Braunig Lake. Although, he does admit that the workload has been heavy these past months and so his boat hasn't seen any water lately. He recalls playing a lot of softball but these days he prefers to enjoy carpentry and his garden at home.
The majority of his time is spent as heavy equipment operator on the interment crew ( atop a backhoe) but he is also skilled in plumbing and carpentry. When I asked him what brought him to San Fernando, he said " I was looking for something better to provide for my family and I am glad I found it here. I really like my job and helping everyone no matter who they are."
I also asked Manuel what he would like for people to know in closing. He replied, "I am proud to be working here at San Fernando and I am proud of the service that we provide for all the people buried here and I look forward to serving them every day the best I can.
Who could ask for more! Congratulations Manuel and thanks for being part of our team.