Evaristo “Buddy” Mancha, Jr., 81, of LaFontaine, passed away peacefully at 6:06 am on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at his home. He was born in Uvalde, Texas, on September 27, 1943, to Evaristo and Consuelo (Costilla) Mancha. On August 8, 1986, he married Deborah M. (Dean).
Buddy graduated from Uvalde High School and attended Texas A&M Corpus Christi. He enlisted in the Texas Army Reserves and served honorably. Following his military service, he was working as a social worker with the Texas Migrant Counsel and later became a machinist with Ford Meter Box, retiring in 2003.
Buddy was an active member of the Lions Club, Indiana 25G Lions District. He was also a dedicated minister of music with his church in Texas and in Wabash. In his retirement, he contributed significantly to the community by doing translation work for area migrants and the schools in Huntington for the court systems. He cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah M. Mancha of LaFontaine; son, Evaristo J. (Lori) Mancha of Marion; daughters, Melissa Campbell of Dallas, TX, Laura (Chris) Plummer of LaFontaine, and Olivia (Dan) Harris of South Hampton, England; grandsons, Aaron Plummer and Jonah Plummer; and sisters, Mary Khosravi and Rosie (David) Garcia of San Antonio, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Evaristo Mancha, Sr., and Consuelo Mancha; son, Evarardo J. Mancha; and brother, Frank Mancha.
The family will receive visitors from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 23, 2025, in the chapel at College Wesleyan Church, 200 E. 38th St., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a memorial service to celebrate Buddy’s life will begin at 3:00 pm.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Leader Dogs for the Blind, 24GLions Cabinet Treasurer Ron Guth, 2386 W. Broadway, Bunker Hill, IN 46914 or directly online at LeaderDog.org.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
