Manuel Ray Sturgeon was born in Lindsey, Oklahoma on December 13, 1936 to Mary D. (Duggan) and Mance Sturgeon. His parents brought the family to Shafter when he was 2 years old, He attended the local schools and made this community home. He married his lovely, then girlfriend, Floy Lou James on November 15, 1958. His father took him hunting at a very young age and continued the sport; enjoyed car trading, and was a gun collector. He spent many hours watching good old westerns movies and reading novels from western author, Louis Le Meur. Labor Day Weekends were always special to Manuel; he took his family to Pismo Beach, annually without fail, a trip everyone looked forward. He had a big heart for the family, was dependable and hard working. His 4 grandsons looked up to him, because he was a perfect example for them. As one grandson stated, "It was great to have someone like him in their lives". He was a father figure to them especially since he had no sons. He just loved having all four of them nearby to share much of his time with. "HE WAS ALL ABOUT HIS FAMILY." Manuel was preceded in death by his father Mance and is survived by his mother Mary, his loving wife of nearly 51 years, Floy Lou; daughters, Teressa Zucker and Connie Sturgeon; grandsons, TJ Maher, JR Patterson, Brandon Patterson and Sheldon Maher. Pastor Long of Shafter Free Will Baptist Church will officiate Graveside services Monday, October 12, 2009 at 11am for Manuel Ray Sturgeon at Shafter Memorial Park.