Manuel Frank Acosta

Manuel Frank Santellana Acosta, 81, of Kempner, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on July 10, 2026, with his beloved wife of 17 years, Micaela “Mickey” Belmares Gomez Acosta, holding his hand. Born on July 24, 1944, in Bay City, Texas, Manuel lived a life defined by service, kindness, determination, and an unwavering devotion to the people he loved. Through every season of life, Manuel was the man who always showed up. A life isn’t measured only by what we accomplish, but by the lives we touch. Manuel will be remembered for the way he made people feel. He never met a stranger. With a warm smile and a story always ready to tell, he had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel like family and left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. A graduate of Jeff Davis High School in Houston, Manuel proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. Stationed in Ramstein, Germany, he served as an Electronic Warfare Technician while continuing his lifelong love of basketball as a member of the Air Force basketball team. Following his military service, he built a successful career in the automobile business, eventually owning and operating his own used car dealership in Houston before retiring. More than anything, Manuel loved his family. Whether it was a game, recital, meet, celebration, or milestone, he found a way to be there. No drive was too long, and no distance was too far when it meant supporting the people he loved. If you needed someone in the stands, someone to celebrate with, or simply someone to call, Manuel showed up. His family always knew they could count on hearing his unmistakable whistle from the crowd. Basketball remained one of Manuel’s greatest passions. He was a devoted Houston sports fan, faithfully cheering on the Astros, Rockets, Oilers, Texans, and Aeros. He never passed up a good card game, loved classic Westerns, enjoyed trying his luck now and then, and always knew where to find the best tacos, the sweetest desserts, and hidden neighborhood gems. He truly knew Houston like the back of his hand. After retiring, Manuel and Mickey made their home in Kempner, where the city man embraced the simple joys of country life. Whether riding the tractor, chasing the dogs and chickens, teaching someone how to throw a baseball, or enjoying ice cream on the porch, he found his greatest happiness simply being with the people he loved. His family will forever remember the little things that made him uniquely Manuel—his Air Force hat, the white towel that was never far from reach, the cooler of fresh fruit in the front seat of his car, and the stash of chocolate he always seemed to have tucked away. They were simple things, but they have become treasured reminders of a life filled with generosity, laughter, and love. Manuel is survived by his beloved wife, Micaela “Mickey” Belmares Gomez Acosta. His legacy lives on through his daughter Marissa Acosta; her children, Eligio De Leon and his wife, Erika De Leon, Anissa Pena, and Sebastian Pena; and her grandchildren, Emma De Leon, Noah De Leon, Ava De Leon, Saphira Garcia, and Aaliyah Grimes. His daughter Carine Acosta. His daughter Andreana Acosta and her wife, Melissa Acosta; and their daughter, Arlo Acosta. His son Mark Acosta and his wife, Laura Acosta; and their children, Amelia Acosta, Owen Acosta, and Sadie Acosta. Manuel was also blessed with the family he gained through Mickey. Barbara Gomez; her children, Victoria Humes and her husband Christopher Humes, Danielle Gomez, Damien Gomez and her grandchildren Devin Sahr, Clayton Humes, Easton Humes, Weston Humes Loretta Gomez; her children, Richard Gomez and his wife Joanna Gomez, Lisa Gomez, Carolina Ruiz, Rose Hernandez and her husband Jose Hernandez, and her grandchildren Cameron, Jazmine, Sean, Davion, Brandon, Araneli, Richard Jr, Sophia, Nancy, Christa and Santiago Ralph Gomez Jr. his children Joe David Gomez, Elizabeth Rios and her husband Carlos Rios, Christopher Gomez, Julian Gomez and his grandchildren Isaac, Andrew, Serenity, Genesis, Jonathon, Jasmin, Christopher Jr., Jaylah, Julianna, Jenevie, Janay, Josiah, Jazlyn Denise Gomez and her husband Nabor Flores; her children, Maria Rebolar, Carmen Rebollar, Jorge Rebollar II, Ramon Rebollar and her grandchildren Christian, Gabriel, Luis, Yazmin, David, Geovani, Victoria, Valentina, Miguel, Lyla, Jorge III He is also survived by his brother, Robert Acosta and his wife Margaret Acosta, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Manuel was preceded in death by his parents, Justo Acosta and Nellie Santellana Acosta; his brothers, Justo Santellana Acosta, Paul Acosta, Alberto Acosta, and Joseph Acosta; and his sisters, Teodosa Acosta Suarez and Julia Acosta. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that Manuel’s legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the countless lives he touched. If you picture Manuel today, chances are he’s wearing his Air Force hat, a white towel draped over his shoulder, a deck of cards within reach, and that familiar smile on his face—ready to share another story, welcome another friend, or cheer on the people he loved most. To those who loved him, he was Dad, Popo, Papaw, Frank, a beloved husband, and a cherished friend. Above all, he was the man who always showed up.

Manuel Frank Acosta

July 24, 1944 - July 10, 2026