Manuel I. Sena

SENA, MANUEL Manuel Sena, 66, a resident of Lubbock, TX, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2013. Manuel, was born in Las Vegas and was a lifelong resident of New Mexico, before moving to Lubbock. He is survived by wife, Jana Benson Sena of Lubbock; his mother, Victoria Otero Sena of Las Vegas; his children, Kenny Sena of Las Vegas and his partner, Wanda Martinez of Albuquerque, Louella Jaramillo and husband, Andrew from Las Vegas, Santiago Sena and wife, Amber of Las Vegas; his grandchildren, Michael, Alejandro, and Deja of Las Vegas, and Kenneth, Kendra, and Dallas of Albuquerque. He is also survived by his step-children, Les Whitzel and wife, Debbie of Charleston, SC, and Kevin Whitzel and Dana Delgado both of Lubbock; his step-grandchildren, Chrystal Whitzel of Austin, TX, Andrew Whitzel of NH, Kaley Whitzel of Artesia, and Rachael Delgado of Albuquerque. Manuel was the oldest of 11 siblings, Rose Mary Nygard of Phoenix, AZ, Leroy Sena of Fayetville, NC, Antonia Montano and husband, Michael, Virginia Apodaca and husband, Tony, and Richard Sena all of Las Vegas, NM, George Sena and wife, Reena of Phoenix, AZ, Joseph Sena and wife, Jessica of Santa Fe, Laura Silva and husband, Luis of Rociada, NM, and Loretta Sena of Las Vegas survive him along with 17 nieces and nephews and many other family and friends. He was a step-father to Shonda and her children, Dillon and Dustin; and Shannone and her children Tyler, Haley, and Jonathon. Manuel was preceded in death by his father, Jose V. Sena and his brother, Joe Frank. He was a graduate of Las Vegas Robertson High School and served in the United States Air Force as an administrative specialist with the air defense command. Manuel retired from Quest Communications after 32 years of faithful service. Manuel was a strong Christian, involved in churches wherever he lived, was involved with the prison ministry and for many years served as a minister serving outlying church communities in northern New Mexico. He loved his family and was a hero and mentor to many. His hero was his grandfather, Santiago Ortega who taught him how to be a man, work hard and be ethical in his dealing with others. Services will be held Tuesday, September 17, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Mountainside Church of Christ, 12300 Indian School Rd NE. Friends may visit FRENCH - Lomas, Monday, September 16, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Mountainside Church of Christ or your favorite charity.