Charlie Manning

Charlie Manning, 80 of Kokomo passed away peacefully at 4:19 a.m., Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Kokomo surrounded by his family, following a lengthy battle recuperating from surgery in February 2018.

Born on December 6, 1938 in Vincennes, he was the son of the late Charles Walter and Laura (Hyneman) Manning.  Charlie married Delores “Dee” (Pufahl) in 1962, and just recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on December 30th.

Charlie was a 1956 graduate of Hazelton High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Oakland City College in 1960. He earned his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in 1965.

He began teaching math, chemistry and physics and serving as the B team and assistant varsity basketball coach at Royal Center High School in 1960.  His career then moved him to Kokomo in 1965 where he taught math at Western High School for four years.  He joined Delco Electronics in 1969 as a training instructor and in charge of the apprentice program.  He served in several roles before retiring as an Industrial Engineer after 26 years.  He then returned to teaching for a period of time.

He was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church in Kokomo.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother, Danny Manning, of Hazelton, IN.

He is survived by his loving wife, Delores “Dee” Manning of Kokomo, son, Douglas C. Manning of Indianapolis, daughters, Christine L. Manning of Kokomo, Cynthia A. Bussell (William) of Avon and Camille M. Broeker (Neil) of Avon, grandchildren, Alyssa (Cory), Kelsey, Lucas, Marisa (Jeff), Lara and Natalie, and great-grandchildren Dallas, Landry, Witten, EmmyMarie, Michaela, Noah and Hazel.  Being able to meet Hazel during these final months brought great joy to Charlie.

Charlie was a life-long teacher – touching many lives – even during his medical challenges and was always willing to help think through a problem to reach a solution.  He enjoyed helping his children and grandchildren with their homework, fishing with his family, tending to his over-sized garden which provided food throughout the year for many, golfing with family and friends and attending the many sporting events of his children and grandchildren.  In the winter, he spent his time woodworking, giving the items to family and friends.  He was a long-time St. Louis Cardinals fan and an avid IU basketball fan.  His positive attitude during his lengthy battle was an inspiration to those around him and defined the Man, Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend he was to so many.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 2, 2019 at Main Street United Methodist Church, 830 S. Main St., Kokomo.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church.

Burial will be at Royal Center Cemetery following the service.

In honor of his commitment to teaching, memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana University Foundation in care of the Charlie Manning Scholarship, P.O. Box 500, Bloomington, IN 47402.

The family would like to thank the many medical professionals and his friends who were by his side throughout the past year.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harrison-Metzger-Rans Funeral Home & Crematory, Royal Center Chapel.