Manuel Carreon Piña, 84, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at his home in Overland Park, Kansas.

Born on March 5, 1942, in Hutchinson, Kansas, Manuel was the proud son of Amado Amaya Piña and Josephina Carreon, hardworking Mexican immigrants who shaped his strong values of faith, family, perseverance, and respect. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1961.

A devoted Roman Catholic, Manuel was a longtime member of St. Teresa Catholic Church in Hutchinson and later attended Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Overland Park.

Manuel built a long and dedicated career in engine remanufacturing, devoting 44 years to Consolidated Mfg. He also served honorably in the U.S. Army Reserve during the Vietnam Era with the 346th Escort Guard.

In 1970, Manuel began his lifelong journey in Moo Duk Kwon Korean Karate. For more than 50 years, he taught and inspired others through the art, including more than 20 years as a volunteer instructor at the Salvation Army. Manuel achieved the distinguished rank of 9th and 10th Degree Black Belt and was recognized nationally for his many contributions to the art, including an award named in his honor.

Manuel embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. He had a passion for hot rods, Corvettes, drag boats, and Harleys — truly an all-American spirit. He loved gathering with family and friends and had a gift for conversation, often joking, “God gave me a gift, and it was my mouth.”

Manuel and Kären enjoyed many years of traveling, oftentimes in their RV to area lakes or someplace warm in the winter. Wherever he went, he would easily turn conversations into friendships.

Manuel was previously married to Linda Curiel. Through that marriage, he had his cherished daughters, Melina and Monica, and a stepdaughter, Lisa. He later married Kären Saltvold, his beloved wife of nearly 35 years, and lovingly embraced her daughter, Samantha, as his stepdaughter.

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Jess and Amado Jr.; and his sister, Manuela Esquibel.

Manuel is survived by his wife, Kären; his daughters, Melina Piña of Hutchinson, Kansas, and Monica Jackson of North Richland Hills, Texas; his stepdaughters, Lisa Lemen of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, and Samantha Ventsam of Overland Park, Kansas; along with 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren

Manuel will be remembered for his warmth, humor, strength of character, and the deep connections he built with everyone he met.

Manuel often quoted these lines from Robert H. Smith’s poem: “Now is the only time you have to love, laugh, and fulfill. Place no faith in tomorrow, the clock may then be still.”

Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Elliott Chapel, followed by an opportunity to share memories and visit with the family.

Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, St Teresa Catholic Church, 211 E. 5th Ave., Hutchinson, Kansas. Inurnment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard.

In honor of Manuel, attendees are invited to wear something yellow, his favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Teresa Catholic Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.