Manuel Roybal

A service celebrating the life of Manuel Roybal will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at the Chavez Funeral Home Chapel, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. His friend and schoolmate, Fr. Sotero Sena, will officiate.

Manuel Antonio Roybal, 74 a resident of the Fort Sumner valley passed away at his home on Saturday, May 24, 2025 following a sudden illness. Manuel was born June 12, 1950 in Yeso, New Mexico to the home of Rafael and Carolina (Levario) Roybal. He was raised in Fort Sumner where he attended school. Manuel graduated from FSHS in 1969. While in school he participated in all school sports.

Manuel worked for Cortese Feeds from 1970 to 1971. He married Judy Kay Vance on June 9, 1973 in Fort Sumner. Manuel and Judy made their home in Aztec, NM. Manuel worked for Kent Knowlin Construction until 1979. Manuel and Judy returned to Fort Sumner. Manuel worked for the De Baca County Road Department for 37 years, many of those years as Road Department Superintendent.

Manuel spent many years volunteering with the track teams at Fort Sumner High School. He enjoyed all Fort Sumner school sports. He attended this years State Track Meet in Albuquerque.

Manuel is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers Johnny Roybal, Ignacio Roybal, Tommy Roybal, and Lawrence Roybal, and two sisters Gloria Baltazar, and Lucy Anaya, and a niece Kiki Lopez.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Judy Roybal of the home in the Fort Sumner valley, two daughters Theresa Roybal (Dusty) of Hagerman, NM, and Adrian Roybal of Clovis, NM two grandsons J.D. Candela (Alice) of Big Spring, TX and Sammy Baltazar (Brittany) of Leveland, TX, three great-grandchildren Aralicia Candela of Big Spring, TX and Ethan Baltazar and Isaiah Baltazar of Leveland, TX. Also surviving are two brothers Rafael Roybal of Clovis, NM and Andy Roybal (Juanita) of Rio Rancho, NM, 4 young men he loved like grandsons: Cory Terrell, Aaron Chavez, Marc Lucero, and Pancho Torres, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Please keep Manuel and his family in your prayers. You may sign the online guest book, or share a favorite memory at www.chavezfuneralhome.com 

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.