Davis Auguste Manuel

Davis Auguste Manuel lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to family and a deep love for the land he called home. He passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born June 23, 1944, Davis was raised as the eldest son of a share-cropper. He learned the value of hard work at an early age. He carried that strong work ethic with him throughout his life, building a career in the oilfield and always providing for his family.
Davis loved his life, some of his happiest days were spent at home on his farm, where he enjoyed working the land, tending to his cattle and riding his tractor or side by side. Staying busy came natural to him, and there was always something he had to do, or thought he had to do.
More than anything, Davis loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, PawPaw, and known as PaPa to his great-grandchildren. These grands and great-grands were the center of his life.
He will be missed by his loving wife of 60.5 years, Emma Smith Manuel; his three children, Craig Manuel (Sheila) , Donna and husband Mike Lucero, Marcus Manuel and wife Marcy; his four grandchildren, David Manuel (Amanda), Lindsey Archibald (Chad), Stephanie Starns (Raymond), Caroline Manuel; his nine great-grandchildren, Emaleigh, Alli, Alyssa, David, Logan, Isaac, Briley, Adanell and Henry. He is also survived by his brother, Bobby Manuel.
He was preceded in death by his father, Auguste Manuel; his mother, Vernis Fontenot; sister, Jane; his brother Aaron Manuel and his infant son Darrel.
Davis will be remembered for his determination, his hard work, his love of Cajun music and heritage, as well as his love for his family. He will always be pictured by his family on a tractor or on his side by side with his faithful dog Duke riding shotgun.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Chataignier with Father Cole Zaunbrecher officiating.
Special thanks go out to Sheila Rozas and Lindsey Archibald with Audubon Hospice for the care Davis received.