Manelik "Monty" Berlanga III

SEPTEMBER 1, 1983 – JULY 31, 2022

Manelik "Monty" Berlanga III, loving husband, father, son, brother and friend, died unexpectedly on July 31, 2022, at the age of 38. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dawn, and children, Lexxie, Gabriel, Zoe and Mikah.

Monty was born on September 1, 1983, in Fort Carson, Colorado. While he was raised in Texas, he only considered one place home…Louisiana. Monty moved to Louisiana after high school and began to forge his path in life. He joined the Navy in 2003 and travelled the world. During his time in the Navy, he travelled to over 20 countries. If you ever asked him what his favorite stop was, he would always quickly respond Dubai.

When Monty got out of the Navy in 2007, he moved back to his home of Louisiana. He attended McNeese State University and graduated within three years (a point he would often rub in his brother Phillip's face) with a Bachelor of Construction Management. Geaux Pokes!

Monty moved to the DFW in 2015. While it wasn't "home" he grew to love it, even as a die-hard Saints fan. He was surrounded by his family and friends and lived life to the fullest.

Monty was an avid hunter and was so proud to teach Dawn, Gabriel and Zoe how to hunt (and successfully at that). He loved to fish in his kayak and even caught a hammerhead once! He was a jack of all trades. If he hadn't done something before it didn't deter him, he would figure out how (from pipe fencing to a pergola). And yes, fix things with gum if the situation required.

Summer won't be the same without your smoked brisket. Christmas won't be the same without your gumbo, hard-boiled egg included. Your infectious grin at parties will be missed. We love you, Monty!

Monty is survived by parents, Manelik Berlanga Jr. and Debbie Betancourt; wife, Dawn; son, Gabriel; daughters; Lexxie, Zoe, and Mikah; brothers, Phillip (Starlyn) and Matthew (Aaliyah); nieces and nephews, Olivia, Shiloh, and Asher; grandparents, Manelik Sr. (Rebecca); uncles and aunts, Marty (Linda) and Miguel (Jessica); cousins, Michael, Michaela, Myranda, Marissa, and Madelyn. Monty is preceded in death by his uncle Marcos.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Azle & Lake Worth Funeral Home, 850 N Cardinal Road, Azle, TX on September 1, 2022 at 2:00pm (Monty's birthday). There is no one who loved their birthday more.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to One Tribe Foundation (1tribefoundation.org) whose mission is "to create a community that raises awareness and combats suicide by empowering veterans, first responders, and their families through traditional and non-traditional therapies". When you select Donate, please indicate it is a "tribute gift" and select tribute type "in Memory of".