NEW HAVEN, INDIANA – Victor Manuel Echartea Sr., age 54, of New Haven, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 1, 2026, following a courageous battle with metastatic colon cancer. Victor will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was born on September 8, 1971, in Mexico City. Victor earned his GED and began his career as a mechanic before discovering a passion for remodeling homes, which became his profession. A few years ago, he founded JVE Property Management Services. He always said God gave him a gift for fixing houses, and he wanted to bring joy to others by making their homes beautiful. The people he worked for were never just clients; they became friends.

In his free time, Victor enjoyed watching documentaries on history and pyramids, spending time with his family and friends, disc golfing with his kids, and being a grandpa. He also enjoyed giving life advice to his nieces and nephews, watching them play sports and hearing them call him Tio Vic. Victor loved spoiling his grand-puppies and grand-kitties, loved eating Frosted Flakes cereal [They’re Gr-r-reat!], and playing Parcheesi with Melanie—until she outsmarted him and he decided not to play that game with her anymore. He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church.

Victor will be remembered by family and friends for his devotion to Melanie–his one true love, the love and pride he had for his children and grandchildren, his generous heart, his willingness to help others, and his larger-than-life personality. He created a memorable legacy for his children, held a deep love for his country and the American flag, and fully embraced Hailey and Carson as his own while remaining a devoted father to all his children.

Victor is survived by his beloved Melanie; his children, Brittney (Joe) Graham of Kansas City, MO, Joaquin (Jackie) Echartea of South Bend, IN, Victor (Leti) Echartea Jr. of Indianapolis, IN, Elijah (Jenny) Echartea of Killeen, TX, Hailey Smith of New Haven, IN, and Carson Smith of New Haven, IN; and his grandchildren, Keziah, Zaritza, Elaina, Jayden, and Josiah.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Jorge and his father figure, Pastor Joe Simpson.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green Street, New Haven, IN, 46774. A funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the church with Pastor Scott Zeckzer officiating. Burial will take place at Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery in New Haven, IN.

Flowers may be delivered to the church on Friday, between 8 – 9:30 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to the family, the church, or the American Cancer Society in Victor’s honor. Donation envelopes will be available at the church. For additional information and to view Victor’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.


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