DODGE CITY - Manuel Blea, Jr., 72, passed away on January 16, 2021 at Western Plains Medical Complex, Dodge City. He was born on June 28, 1948 at Dodge City, the son of Manuel and Frances (Ontiberos) Blea.

Manuel Blea grew up in Dodge City and graduated from Dodge City High School in 1967.  He was a veteran of the U.S Army serving during the Vietnam War and was proud of his service.  He had many stories to tell of his service and he was one who welcomed you into his life without question.  Manuel never hesitated to say thank you for coming to see him and he was well loved and a loving person. His family will miss him and have fond memories of him.

Manuel is survived by a sister, Juanita Sanchez and husband Jerry of Dodge City, Kansas; two brothers, Danny Blea and wife Sharon of Manhattan, and Tyrone Blea and life partner Kevin McCarrison of Kansas City, Missouri; a son, Lawrence Torrez.  Manuel was blessed with nephews,  Aaron, and Jeremy Sanchez, Christopher and Derek Blea and one niece Stephanie Sanchez Chavez.He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Veronica Eberle of Alpine, California.

Graveside service will be held at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Ft. Dodge on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 1:30 PM. Military Honors will be provided by KSARNG Military Honors and American Legion District 8 Honor Guard.  Visitation with the casket open will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from Noon to 6:00 PM with a vigil and rosary to follow at 7:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.