Oberlin-A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Joseph Mattues Manuel, 84, will be held at 2 o'clock p.m. on Friday afternoon, September 20, 2024, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Oberlin. Deacon Dale Deshotel will officiate. Matt will be laid to rest at Manuel Resting Place in Oberlin immediately following his services.

Matt's family will receive friends and visitors at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oberlin on Friday morning, September 20, 2024, from 10 o'clock a.m. until time of service with a vigil and the Holy Rosary being prayed at 1 o'clock p.m. All of Matt's arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oberlin.

Joseph Mattues Manuel, affectionately called "Matt" by all who knew him, was born on November 11, 1939, and passed away peacefully at St. Frances Nursing Home in Oberlin. He lived a full life surrounded by family and many friends. Matt worked hard his entire life and took pride in his work. He earned his bachelor's degree in science at McNeese State University. Besides farming and ranching, he worked in construction, as well as teaching school in Sulphur. Matt also served as an Allen Parish School Board member. He was a leader, always heading up his teams. Matt was very much respected by all who had the privilege of working with him. This strong work ethic has carried over to his children and is his legacy. Matt loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter. Although he mostly hunted locally, his most cherished memories were of the many trips to Colorado and Wyoming with his sons and brothers, Russell, and Arlington, to hunt elk and deer. He was an avid reader and a huge supporter of the Oberlin Library. Although he had many friends, he loved his family most of all and especially cherished his five grandchildren. Matt will be forever missed and unconditionally loved by all who knew him.

Those left to cherish Matt's memory include his two sons, Mark Allen Manuel and wife Melondy, and Steven Paul Manuel and wife Rachel all of Oberlin; one daughter, Jenifer Manuel Aune and husband Gifford of Broomfield, CO; one daughter-n-law Sandy Manuel; five grandchildren, Mitchell, Chandler, Taylor, Heidi, and Asher; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Matt is preceded in death by his wife Alice Ann Manuel and his son, Brian Keith Manuel.

Condolences and words of comfort may be shared with Matt's family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com or on Facebook at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes.

Matt's family would like to express their sincere appreciation to St. Frances Nursing Home and Brighton Bridge Hospice for all their compassion and care while taking care of Matt.