Manuel Topete Casillas, lovingly known as "El Pichel," passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, in Yuma, Arizona, at the age of 81. Born on April 30, 1944, in Etzatlán, Jalisco, Manuel was the treasured son of Margarita Topete and Ascensión Casillas and the beloved brother of Margarita, Luz, Rosario, Elena, and Josephina.

Manuel migrated to the United States in the 1970s, courageously seeking a better life for his family. A skilled mechanic from a young age, he spent decades under the hood of cars—his lifelong passion—and continued working until months before his passing.

Manuel's legacy lives on through his devoted family. His loving partner Socorro Martinez. He was a beloved parent to Raymundo, Margarita, Daniel, Dionisia, and Dalia. Step parent to Anna and Luis. His memory will be cherished by his grandchildren: Michael, Denise, David, Joshua, Emily, Stephanie, Christopher, Marissa, Manuel, Janice, Elizabeth, Evangelyine, Nathaniel, Turbo, Giuseppi, Kaitlyn and Cali. He was also the proud great-grandparent of Laila, Bella, Armando, Eli, and Maximus.