Manuel Chapa Sr., affectionately known as “Meme,” passed peacefully into eternal life on August 27, 2026, while surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 7, 1943, in Alice, Texas. Meme will forever be remembered for his love for family, and his legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those who were privileged to have known him and loved him.

Meme was preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life, Petra Gallegos Chapa; his parents, Telesforo and Felipa Chapa; and by his children, Rodolfo “Rudy” Chapa, Imelda Rodriguez, and Elva Chapa.

Meme is survived by his longtime companion, Olga Buentello; children, Manuel “Yogi” (Debbie) Chapa Jr., Anna Arredondo, Nora Carrillo, Rosa (Isidro) Garza, Ricky Arredondo, Rene Arredondo, Vianna (Hector) Saenz, Fabian (Denise) Arredondo, and Liana Jo Chapa; his siblings, Mary Ann (Robert) Alcala, Joe Curiel, Ciria (Sara) Martinez, Herminia (Minnie) Gutierrez, Emma Perez, Lionel Chapa, Rocky Martinez, and Angelita De Los Santos; 27 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Meme enjoyed barbequing every weekend for his family and friends and sharing his blessings, going hunting and fishing with family and friends, or watching his favorite football team, the Kansas City Chiefs, where he could be heard a mile away cheering them on or calling out his plays. When not watching a game, you could find him watching his favorite western movie featuring his favorite idol, John Wayne. Meme loved dancing and listening to Tejano music, especially by his favorites Danny Rubio, Ruben Naranjo, Roberto Pulido, conjunto, and numerous others.

Meme was raised with the values of respect, honesty, hard work ethics, and punctuality; values he instilled in his children. He worked in the oil field industry for most of his life, working on work over rigs and retired from CC Forbes. He lived in Kansas and Michigan, but returned to his hometown of Alice, TX.

Meme loved celebrating his birthday and Christmas was his favorite holiday. These occasions were times of family unity, laughing, joking, eating, sharing gifts, and enjoying each other’s company.

Meme’s family will receive condolences on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Treviño Funeral Home Alice, 120 E. Front St., from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM; with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 9:30 AM. A Funeral cortege will depart the funeral home at 10:00 AM to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church to celebrate Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Roberson-Collins Cemetery where Meme will be laid to rest in the peace of Christ.

Manuel Chapa Sr. will be remembered with deep love, gratitude, and respect. May his family find comfort in the memories they shared with him and in the enduring love that remains.

Honoring Meme as pallbearers are Victor Rodriguez, Rudy Chapa, Michael Chapa, Cosme Ramirez, Oness Garza, and Isidro Garza III.

To leave your condolences for the family of Manuel Chapa Sr., share your memories, or visit his tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.