In Memory of Manuel C’deBaca, Jr.

Manuel “Manny” C’deBaca, Jr., a kind and loving man, gained his angel wings on July 24, 2026, surrounded by numerous loved ones at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Manny was born on May 9, 1937, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, to Manuel C’deBaca, Sr., and Mary (Martinez) C’deBaca. He was baptized at Our Lady of Sorrows church in Las Vegas.

During his childhood, Manny loved spending the summers at his grandparents’ ranch near Las Vegas, New Mexico, with 25 of his cousins and aunts. All the children would sleep on mattresses upstairs, enjoying nighttime stories told by their aunties.

Manny joined the Air Force in 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1958. He later earned a degree from business college in Albuquerque.

Throughout his life, he continued his education with self-teaching and attending classes he found intriguing.

Woodworking was a favorite pastime, as were reading, studying his fascinating family history, and cheering on the Denver Broncos.

Manny began employment with the U. S. Postal Service in Albuquerque, New Mex i c o , a n d was later promoted to Superintendent of Operations for the Denver Bulk Mail Center in Denver, Colorado.

He was married to Edith (Montoya) Garcia in 1958. To that union were born Dwight, Karyn, and Jonathan.

On June 3, 1990, he was united in marriage to Beverly Jo Spradling in Las Vegas, Nevada. From this union he gained three stepchildren, Traci, Vince, and Scott.

Together, Beverly and Manny celebrated 36 wonderful years, enjoying traveling, spending time with family and antiquing. After retirement, they opened “C’deBaca Gifts and Antiques” at the base of Pikes Peak in Cascade, Colorado, and enjoyed the adventures shared by tourists from all over the world.

Manny’s grandchi ldren che r ish every minute they spent with him, whether it was fishing or visiting the Royal Gorge, North Pole, or Bishops Castle. Even the simple things like sweeping the floors in his wood shop while he worked, sitting in silence, working on puzzles, or watching movies.

His surviving family members include his wife, Beverly Jo C’deBaca of Canon City, Colorado; son, Dwight (Carla) C’deBaca of Louisville, Kentucky, daughter, Karyn Pelz of Greeley, Colorado, and son, Jonathan C’deBaca of Aurora, Colorado; stepdaughter, Traci (Steve) Tankersley of Leoti, Kansas, stepsons, Vince (Kelly) Spradling of Colorado Springs, Col o r ado, S c o t t Spradling of Oswego, Kansas; grandchildren, Christopher (Caitlyn) C’deBaca, Tyler Pelz, Destiny C’deBaca, Ma r io C ’ deBaca, El i zabet h ( Jak e ) Drohman, Claire Spradling; greatgrandchildren, Carter C’ deBac a , K i n ze Dr ohman , Mad i Drohman, and Riggins Drohman. He is also survived by siblings, Albert C’deBaca, Janet C’deBaca, Frank (Linda) C’deBaca, Nadine (Fred) Silva, and sister-in-law, Mary Lou C’deBaca.

Manny is preceded i n deat h by h i s parents; brother, Robert “Bobby” C’deBaca; sister-in-law Mary Lou (Albert) C’deBaca; grandson, Nicholas Tankersley, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he loved so much.

At Manny’s request, no services will be held. Memorials may be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.