John Manuel Lazo

John Manuel Lazo passed from the arms of his wife and family to those of God in the early morning of Monday, March 22, 2021 in Plano, Texas.  He has been a resident of the DFW Metroplex for 29 years.

John was born on October 21, 1948 in San Antonio, Texas and was blessed to be the son of the late Justo and Atanacia Lazo.  His mother-in-law and father-in-law, Manuel and Dolores Rodriguez, who also preceded him in death, were equally blessed to call him their son.  He is also preceded in death by his brother, John Barrientes and wife Vira, brother Antonio Barrientes, sister Mary Gonzalez, and sister Petra Gamez.   He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Enriqueta (Henri) Lazo of Plano, Texas, his children: Adrienne Lazo (fiancé’ John Wittmayer) Plano, Texas, Claudia Mimi Rogers and Randy Rogers, Prosper, Texas, Carl and Kristi Lazo, Frisco, Texas and Monica Mongaras, Celina, Texas; his grandchildren:  Katie Lapomarda, Lauren Lapomarda, Emily Mongaras, Austin Rogers, Matthew Mongaras, Nicholas Rogers and Kaitlin Lazo.  He is also survived by his sister Vangie and Albert Larque of San Antonio, Texas; his brother-in-law Ralph Gonzalez Sr., his nieces and nephews:  Chris and Yolanda Barrientes, Joseph and Lydia Gonzalez, Angela Larque (Ted), Deanna Larque (Greg), Justin Larque (Theresa), Robert Barrientes, Josh Barrientes, Brandon Barrientes, Ean Larque, Madison Bocanegra along with several other nieces,  nephews, extended family and friends.  He retired from Rhone-Poulenc/Rhodia and is a member of the Monsignor John Jerome Davis Knights of Columbus Council 7230.

John spent his early youth in San Antonio, Texas and moved to Houston when he was 16.  He was well known in the San Antonio schools for his athletic ability; he was a state champion runner whose incredible speed was a phenomenon.  He attended Stephen F. Austin High School in East End Houston and was a member of ROTC and the ROTC Drill Team.  A recent tribute on an Austin Alumni page follows:  “John was a member of the State Champion Stephen F. Austin Legionnaires Drill Team for 3 years, Drill Team Commander his senior year.  John is a legend in ROTC State history because he was the first cadet to master the chrome “Flying Bayonet” attached to a real rifle spinning in the air to the rear of the platoon over the entire team while marching in precision.  This drill maneuver lead to SFA winning all competitions for a couple of years until other schools copied the maneuver.  What did the Legionnaires do?  They went to throwing two rifles simultaneously, diagonally, one higher than the other.  John Lazo continued catching one of those rifles along with Freddie Robles.  No other drill team could duplicate, so SFA dominated the competitions until the US Army ordered the double maneuver stopped.”  John also served on the Austin school newspaper staff.  He was a proud MUSTANG.  John’s commitment continued with his military service where he served with valor in the Vietnam Conflict.  He is a decorated veteran but was always modest about his service.

A year after his return from the Vietnam Conflict, John married his high school sweetheart on December 18, 1971.  Together they created a lifetime of memories and more importantly, a family of 4 children and 7 grandchildren.  He continued his education after he was married and reached his educational goals but always believed that his greatest accomplishment in life was earning the titles of Dad and PoPo. His children and grandchildren were his greatest source of pride; John loved his family beyond measure.  He entertained his grandchildren with his jokes, his infectious laughter, his love of music and dancing.    He taught them to play dominos and as they will tell you “no one could make bacon like him”.  It was not unusual for him to pick up his grandchildren, go to the grocery store, come home and cook up a meal for them and their grandmother. No one could match John’s dancing; he loved all genres of music and is best known for his love of The Beatles, oldies, country and Tejano. Everyone wanted to dance with John.  He loved life and laughter.  His strong point was his creative side.  He was very artistic and could draw beautifully.  John was a consummate Longhorn fan and he loved the Dallas Cowboys, Rangers, Mavericks, University of San Diego Women’s Soccer, Texas Longhorn Women’s Soccer, Lady Hoopsters Basketball and fishing.

Life took a sudden twist in the road when John suffered a tragic and life altering traumatic brain injury on April 8, 2005, where doctors did not expect him to survive, but he defied the odds.  The ensuing years were a tremendous challenge.  He had many challenges in his life beginning at birth, but despite the adversity he remained strong and managed to overcome them all.  To his family, he was invincible and we thought he could continue to overcome the odds but God called.  He leaves a profound void in his family but also immense pride because he taught us the meaning of simplicity, life, love and most importantly family.  He gave of himself and never asked for anything in return.  He has forever touched us as well as many others.  John will dwell in us forever.  He has earned his just reward and he now is whole again and smiling because he met his Savior as well as his family that prepared the way for him.  John found the answer to one of his favorite songs and he does not have to imagine anymore.

The family will receive friends for a visitation Tuesday, March 30, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. with a rosary and words of remembrance spoken at 7:00 P.M. at Allen Family Funeral Options, Plano, Texas.  The rosary and words of remembrance can be viewed at the following link John Lazo (funeralvue.com)

A mass will be held to celebrate John’s life on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 5100 W Plano Pkwy, Plano, Texas 75093 with Msgr. Chester Borski officiating.  John will be laid to rest at the Dallas/Ft Worth National Cemetery with military honors at 1:00 P.M. following the mass.

The family will be hosting a reception following the burial.