Manuel Cepeda

Manuel Nicholas Cepeda, age 100, died on December 6, 2017 in Mobile, Alabama.
Mr. Cepeda was the son of Victor Manuel and Ena Garrett Cepeda. Prior to his move to Mobile, Mr. Cepeda was a long time resident of Ocala, Florida where he met and married his wife Rose Jackson Cepeda.
Mr. Cepeda was a graduate of the University of Florida. He served his country during WWII as a 7th Armored Division Platoon Leader on the European Front. After the war, he continued to serve. He completed that portion of his career when he started Retired Reserve status in 1967 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His last position was Provost Marshall for the Florida National Guard Military Police Corps.
Following the war, Mr. Cepeda returned to Ocala where he was a partner in Smith and Cepeda Realty. Mr. Cepeda was quite active in the life of his community. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church. He was a 68 year Mason. He was an active member of Rotary and attended meetings until his move to Alabama in 2008. Mr. Cepeda served on numerous community and professional boards including Central Florida Community College. He was a Master Gardener who loved camellias which he grew and propagated in addition to Florida citrus.

Mr. Cepeda was preceded in death by his wife, parents and two sisters. He is survived by his three children Manuel L. Cepeda (Marilyn) of Mobile, Carole Pauw (Jan) of Washington, and Anne Marie Cepeda (Ed Kohinke) of Virginia along with five grandchildren, two step grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and one step great grandchild. He loved and was very proud of each of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Special thanks to local grandchildren Matthew Cepeda (Laura) and Allie LaVigne (Josh) for their assistance in Mr. Cepeda's care. The family would also like to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Touching Hearts Senior Care, Kindred Hospice, and Somerby of Mobile for their care and devotion to Mr. Cepeda. Honoring his wishes, a private memorial will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.