March 23, 1932 – October 8, 2018

Manuel Anthony Porras was born in Mott, California on March 24, 1932 to Alejandra (Ramirez) and Felix Porras. He always said they put the mountain there to mark his birthplace. The sixth of seven children and the youngest son, he was spoiled from the beginning-it wasn't his fault. The family moved to Orland in 1942, where he enjoyed the rest of his life, except a short stint in the Air Force, where he had special security clearance during the Korean War. After courting from the time he was 11 and she was 8, he married the love of his life in 1954, his pretty lady, Esther Lopez, from Glenn. They were accompanied by his best man and best friend for life, Don Long. In spite of their family's concerns, their marriage was exceptional for 64 years. They had 9 biological children and lots of "adopted" children and grandchildren.

According to him he started driving himself to work at the age of 12. His notable jobs were Johanssen's Meat Market during his school days and after returning from the Air Force, he worked with his dad at Southern Pacific Railroad followed by ditch riding for the Orland Unit Water Users' Association where he enjoyed meeting all the farmers and ranchers on the west side and visit over a cup of coffee. He still liked to take drives and tell you who lived where. He moved on to work at Fouts Springs Boys' Ranch in 1969 where he was a counselor and maintenance superintendent until his retirement in 1990. Interspersed with this he had a dairy, hauled hay with his dad and family, and raised cattle with Chuck and Ruth Emanuel.

He loved the Orland community and was happy to give back. He was instrumental in starting the girls softball program, getting the bleachers built at the football field, and rebuilding St. Dominic's after the fire. He was also active in the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Knights of Columbus, as a leader of Schaffert 4-H Club, and supported so many more community activities.

He was always in service to others. He willingly lent a hand when someone needed it. He could repair almost anything and was generous in answering a call for help. His lifelong generosity came back to him when later he would call for a physician's assistant in the middle of the night, a haircut, a mechanic, a chiropractor on the weekend, a ride, a whopper and so many other things. (Thank you!)

Another great passion was sports, especially the SF 49ers. He loved visiting with friends and family and shared his faith with all who spent time with him. He was active in St. Dominic's Catholic Church throughout his life. He always had a joke, an easy smile and he never met a stranger.

He is survived by his wife Esther, children, Marcie Porras (Brown), Felix 'John' Porras and wife Marta Tedrick, Mary Galvan and husband Edgar 'Rob', Manuela 'Manny' Marston and husband Forrest, Vangie Porras, Estel Porras and partner Kathy, Frances Porras Lingemann and husband Bo, Julie Gregory and husband Mark and Josie Porras Corporon and husband Scott, and nephew Manuel 'Jimmy' Cesa (wife Nancy) who he raised like a son. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren (Justin, Sean, Simon, and Isaac Brown; James Marston; Anthony and Alex Galvan; Micha McLaughlin, Amanda Gregory, Natalie McLaughlin, and Markus Gregory; and Nicole Porras Corporon) and 14 great grandchildren, his sisters, Cecilia Torres and Mary Zaragosa. He was preceded in death by grandson, Dominic Gregory, sisters Josephine 'J' Cesa and Refugio Murguia, and brothers, Nicasio Porras and Steve Porras.

Although our loss is immeasurable, we are grateful that he entered into rest peacefully at home. Thanks to all those who helped take care of him. A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 11 from 4 to 7 pm at St. Dominic's. A church rosary will be held at 10am on Friday, October 12, immediately followed by a Mass of Christian burial. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Peg Taylor Center, the Caregiver Resource Center at Passages, Orland Community Scholarship Fund or your favorite charity in care of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary.