Reverend Alexander Manukyan, age 54, died unexpectedly while visiting in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, February 15, 2017.

Manukyan, a medically retired U.S. Marine, is survived by his mother, Esther Manukyan, his brother Alberto Manukyan and his sister Ibert "Evi" Cox-Jordan; his wife, Evette Manukyan; his children: Tiffany Pacheo, Tristan Manukyan, Alex Manukyan and Michael Manukyan.

Manukyan was born in Cuba. His late father, Yervant Manukyan, an Armenian who was born in Turkey migrated first to Cuba and then to the United States during the Cuban Revolution. His family lived in Hoboken, New Jersey, prior to Alex joining the U.S. Marine Corps. Alexander survived a severe head wound inflicted by a grenade explosion during infantry training during the Iraq War. He was awarded the National Defense Medal prior to being medically retired.

His disability didn't seem to negatively affect Manukyan who demonstrated a winning personality and an uncanny ability to accomplish any job that was offered. Eventually, he began working as a contractor offering painting, carpentry, and repair services in New Orleans. Later, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Church Ministries from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. He then was ordained as a minister who founded Hearts for Jesus Ministry through which he devoted himself to planting churches and establishing orphanages in Central and South America, and in Haiti.

Viewing and visitation will be at Jeter and Son Funeral Home, 4830 W. Illinois Ave.,Dallas, on Friday, March 3, 2017 from 11:00 am to 1:45 pm, followed by burial with full military honors in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 2:15 pm to 2:45 pm.