Eduardo "Eddie" V. Mancias Jr.

Eduardo “Eddie” V. Mancias Jr. passed away on July 27, 2024, at his home in Weslaco, surrounded by his family after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. He was born on February 3, 1958, in Mercedes, Texas. 

Eddie grew up in Weslaco and graduated from Weslaco High School in 1976. He married Josie Valderas, and they had five children. 

Eddie's life was filled with meaningful experiences and cherished memories that brought joy to all who knew him. He worked in transportation, making deliveries all over the Rio Grande Valley. Eddie’s dedication was evident as he delivered countless goods, including "raspas" and most notably, tortillas. Later, running Grandpa’s taxi/school bus picking up grandkids after school, and always making sure they had a snack waiting for them. 

Eddie's love for fishing and the Dallas Cowboys was unparalleled, and he was most proud of sharing these loves with his grandchildren. His passion for fishing created priceless memories as days were spent on the water with his children, grandchildren, and friends. He always carried a fishing pole in his truck, ever ready for an impromptu fishing session. For several years, Eddie had a delivery route from Los Fresnos to South Padre, where he found time to fish during his breaks. The family joke was that Eddie couldn’t go anywhere without knowing someone, as the mayor of the RGV. During these years, Eddie also made friends with people on his route, who would send him home with bags full of oysters or extra fish. Once, he even came home with a shark that was given to him. 

He was a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan through thick and thin, always saying “Win, Lose or Tie, a Cowboy fan until I die”. Eddie was even able to catch a few games in person, when a local tour bus company offered deals to go see the “House that Jerry Built”. His unwavering support for his team was a testament to his loyalty and love for sports. He was often seen cheering for his grandkids at any sporting events they participated in, and also rooted for the Texas Rangers and San Antonio Spurs, demonstrating his broad appreciation for various sports. 

Another hobby of Eddie’s was cooking. A favorite outdoor activity of his, other than fishing, was a good fish fry with family and friends. Eddie also enjoyed hunting and had a way of making the gamiest of meat taste great, telling those most hesitant it was “chicken”. Cooking is a passion that he gladly passed on to his sons and sons-in-law and a legacy that will surely have an impact for generations. 

Throughout his life, he touched the hearts of many with his kindness, generosity, and humor. He earned many nicknames over the years, including, but not limited to, “One Eye” after a car accident resulted in the use of a false eye, he loved making jokes about it when he met new people. Another was “Cowboy”, when he met an equally die-hard 49ers fan, they began to greet each other as such, no matter where they crossed paths throughout the community. His temperament was comical but stern, earning Eddie the loving "Grumpy Grandpa" nickname from a cashier at his favorite local convenience store. 

Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, Eduardo “Lalo” L. and Maria A. (Valdez) Mancias, his brother Ernesto "Neto" Mancias, and his brother-in-law, Richard Diaz. 

He is survived by his wife, Josie, his children, Eddie “Mooch” Mancias III (Betty), Erica Martinez (Freddy Jr.), Elizabeth "Lizzie" Ramirez (Chris), Ernest “Ernie” Mancias (Iris), and Eric Mancias (Jenna), his sister, Rosie Diaz (Richard+), grandchildren Courtney Mancias, Ana Mancias (Ozzy), Lalo Mancias, Kaysie Mancias, Jessy Vasquez, Edward “Monster” Vasquez (Illiana), Abie Vasquez, Ashley Vasquez, Layla Vasquez (Jose), Trae Martinez, Evelyn Martinez, Eileen Martinez, Brianna Martinez, Raelynn Marroquin-Almendarez (Luis), Jacob Ramirez, Carolina Salas, Irais Salas, Zariah Mancias, Julian Mancias, Zariyah Mancias, and Aaliyah Mancias, great-grandchildren Aleman, Noah, Mya and Jaylee as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Farray and his staff at Texas Oncology Weslaco for their extensive care, First Baptist Church Weslaco for their constant prayers and presence, and the staff at Knapp Medical Center’s 5th-floor unit, especially nutritionist, Krissy, who went above and beyond to explore options for Eddie’s at-home care. 

Services to honor and celebrate Eddie's life will be held on August 1, 2024, at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco. A visitation will take place from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life at 7 p.m.