Manuel Mejia

Obituary

Obituary for Manuel 'Eddie' Mejia

Manuel ``Eddie’’ Mejia, age 86, was born to Hilario and Maria Elena Mejia, in Hanford, CA on October 13, 1925. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, November 17, 2011 in Shafter. He was raised in Woodlake, CA and attended La Paloma School. Eddie worked in the fields with his father and began driving a truck at the age of 15 where he continued until he enlisted in the US Marine Corp in August of 1944 at the age of 18. As a Private First Class in the 6th Marines… 2nd Division, Eddie served in the Pacific Campaign during World War II, participating in operations on the Marianas Islands, the Ryukyu Islands, Okinawa and the occupation of Kyushu. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, Rifle Marksmanship, Honorable Discharge Button and Honorable Service Button. Eddie married his lifelong sweetheart, Rita Trujillo in Cutler, CA on December 26, 1948 and they enjoyed almost 63 years together. They moved to Shafter in 1960, where they raised their seven children. Upon being honorably discharged from the Marines, Eddie worked for Cen-vi-ro Pipe Corporation for 25 years. He was a 50 year member of AFL-CI0 Labor Union including Shop Steward Local 220. Upon his retirement he went to work part-time for the Shafter Press where he was a faithful employee for 18 years. Eddie along with his wife Rita was an avid supporter of the Shafter Generals for many years. They always had season tickets at SHS and with the BC Renegades. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren play sports. He also loved Giants baseball and 49ers football. He was a fisherman and hunter. He even took the time to teach the love of his life, Rita, how to dove hunt. But she soon realized she didn’t enjoy that sport. When Eddie and Rita first married, they would travel to USC games and always go early so they could walk around the college campus. Eddie would envision that someday his children and grandchildren would be in college and his dream came true. Eddie truly enjoyed his children and spent many Saturday mornings after breakfast talking with them about their lives and giving them encouragement and loving advice. He would say ``You have to work hard for what you want in life’’ and ``as you grow older your views and opinions will change’’. He always kept up on current events and politics. He valued his service as a Marine and as they say ``Marines don’t die, they just fade away – they are always Marines.’’ On October 13, 2005 Eddie received an Honorable Commendation for his service to his country from Dean Flores 16th Senatorial District. Eddie leaves behind his soul mate and wife, Rita; his two daughters: Lily and husband Will Yardley and Teresa Mejia of Bakersfield; his five sons: John Mejia and wife Diane, Bob Mejia and wife Melinda, Jerry Mejia and Joey Mejia all of Bakersfield, Jimmy Mejia and wife Marlene of Bardstown, KY; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; his brothers Frank, Raymond and Alfred Mejia and his sister Mary Louise Mejia. He also has numerous nephews, nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Isabel Rodriguez. The family would like to thank Hoffman Hospice, especially Cindy & Maria for their kind care to Eddie and Dr. Kim of Shafter and his staff. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Therese’s Church in Shafter on Tuesday, November 22 at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Fr. Pedro Umana. Rosary will be held Monday, November 21 at 6pm at St. Therese’s Church with visitation starting at 4:00 p.m. A visitation will also be held on Sunday, November 20 at Peters Funeral Home from 4pm – 8pm.