Colton Manuel Longoria

Having lived and loved, Baby Colton was a blessing beyond compare in the hearts of those who came to know and love him. For just a wee little boy, he touched lives and changed hearts in a way that often takes an entire lifetime to achieve. His impact in the lives of many will be long remembered and surely never forgotten as he remains a treasure in the hearts of many.

From the very beginning little Colton proved to be a fighter. Born to life on September 24, 2009 at St. Joseph Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Colton Manuel Longoria was a greatly anticipated bundle of joy as his parents, Manuel Longoria and Justine Engel, were lovingly preparing for his entry into their world. When little Colton made his appearance three months prematurely, his birth was cause for great concern. Although he weighed in at a mere 1 pound, 11.6 ounces and 13 inches long, he made a big and lasting impact for such a little guy.

Despite his small size, Manuel and Justine loved their baby boy whom they cherished with all they had. Due to the complications surrounding his premature birth, Baby Colton required heart surgery to repair a murmur and laser eye surgery to prevent blindness. He remained at St. Joseph’s Hospital for the next three months as he needed the utmost care. His caregivers there were awe struck by the little baby they came to know and love. They couldn’t get enough of him, and were so very touched by him.

One step closer to home, in December of 2009 Colton was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin where a tracheotomy was performed to aid his breathing, and he received care for an additional two months. Justine and Manuel also received training from the trach-vent clinic staff, this enabled them to care for Colton’s special needs. During this time a great work was being done in the hearts of his parents as well as his entire family.

The day came when Colton’s parents could finally bring him home. It was a time for rejoicing on that February day earlier this year. Although Colton continued to need additional care because of his condition, his family lovingly learned how to care for him at home.

Affectionately known as “Baby Colton”, he impacted the lives of all who came in contact with him and was loved by all. Through an outpouring of prayer, love and support, Baby Colton brought his family together and greatly impacted the lives of his parents. Most importantly, Baby Colton’s life was used in a wonderful way as his family came to know the love of Christ through the love they shared for their son. As Manuel and Justine cared for Colton, Colton cared for them as God’s love shone bright through him. He was most certainly their “Miracle Baby” in every sense.

Always the center of attraction, his family and those who knew him were always fussing over him in one way or another. Everyone wanted to play a role in his care, and everyone always asked, “How is baby Colton?” With a smile that would warm anyone’s heart, it was easy to see how his little life changed so many people in such a profound way.

On the morning of Wednesday, October 6, 2010, Manuel and Justine discovered Colton was not breathing. After applying the intensive training they hoped to never use, they called the paramedics and Colton was rushed to St. Francis Hospital where he peacefully died at 8:27 AM. With his earthly assignment now complete, Baby Colton left to be lovingly embraced by his heavenly Father and his family looks forward to the day when they will once again be reunited with him. For the short time Baby Colton shared his life, he left an undeniable and lasting impact on the hearts of many. Justine made a commitment to become a nurse with the intent to care for premature babies, just like her Baby Colton. She desires to give others what she and Manuel lovingly received from the caregivers who took such care of them.

Because he lived and loved, Baby Colton was a blessing to those who knew and loved him. He touched lives, changed hearts and leaves a forever imprint as hearts remember the life of Baby Colton.

Colton Manuel Longoria was the cherished son of Manuel Longoria and Justine Engel; beloved grandson of Socorro Gonzales, Felipe Rodriguez, Tony and Lupe Longoria, and Paula and Dennis Engel. He is further survived by many other relatives and friends. Visit with his family on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at Oak Creek Assembly of God Church, 7311 S. 13th Street from 10:00 AM until time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment in Good Hope Cemetery. If desired, memorials to the family are appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory of Colton, offer words of encouragement to his family and to sign his online guest book. His family is being served by the Suminski Family Funeral Homes, Niemann/Suminski 414-744-5156.