Manuel Caballero

Manuel Caballero, 84, passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, surrounded by his adoring family. He was a unique and caring individual who touched the lives of all who knew and loved him. Born August 5, 1933, to Roman and Lucinda Caballero in Matienzo, Spain. At the age of 19, he immigrated to the United States, as a sheep herder in the state of Arizona. He married the love of his life, Dorothy in 1957 and enjoyed 59 years of marriage. Soon after their marriage, in 1958, he purchased a small dairy farm in Mesa, Arizona where he began to live his dream as a dairyman. Manuel was a member of United Dairymen of Arizona for 59 years and served on the board of directors for 17 years. Manuel had two great loves…the love for his family and the love for his cows! He enjoyed breeding quality, registered Brown Swiss and Holstein cattle and spent many years as an exhibitor at the Arizona State Fair, Arizona Black and White Show, and many other shows. He shared his love of animals and his show ring talents with countless youth as a 4-H leader for 23 years. Manuel is survived by his wife, Dorothy, 3 daughters; Cindy Arrington (Dwayne), Lori Hibbard (Don), Stephanie Gray (Charlie), son; Craig Caballero (Heather), 14 Grandchildren; Ryan Arrington, Lucinda Stapleton (J.T.) Vincent Arrington (Brittany), Eric Hibbard (Jackie), Whitney Hyde (Travis), Hillary Van Hofwegen (Preston), Ashley Ellixson (Tom), Kyle Newhall-Caballero (Chelsea), Courtney Newhall-Caballero, Vanessa Quevedo (Jeremy), John Samaniego, Anika Samaniego, Joseph Caballero, Ethan Caballero, 10 Great Grandchildren, 4 sisters, brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by a great grand-daughter. Visitation is Friday, September 8, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Whitney and Murphy Funeral Home 4800 East Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85018. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Basilica 231 North 3rd St. Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, the Caballero family requests that donations be sent to the Arizona Milk Producers Scholarship fund. Please make checks out to UDA-Scholarship Fund. Mail to 510 South 52nd Street, Suite 101 Tempe, AZ 85281. His legacy of loving support, respect and devotion will continue to send ripples through our lives, and if we honor this legacy the lives of our future will forever be blessed.