Robert Manning

Robert Roy Manning was born April 23, 1920, Clear Lake, Iowa to James G. and Viola P. Manning. He moved with his parents to New York City where his father was a professional musician. Subsequently he lived in Kansas City, KS, Joplin, MO, and Jetmore, KS before moving to Olathe in 1927 where his father was the Court Reporter.

In his youth, Mr. Manning was an accomplished violinist having played in the high school orchestra while in the 5th grade. He was a Life Scout and an assistant scoutmaster. While in high school he played football, basketball, and baseball. He received a basketball scholarship from and played for Rockhurst College. He also graduated from Huff Business College.

He volunteered as an enlisted man in the Navy in 1941. He served in both the Atlantic and Pacific on the battleship USS New Mexico and transferred to the Navy Air Corp where he became a pilot. He was discharged after the war as a full lieutenant.

On February 20, 1943 Mr. Manning married Mary K. Albaugh, daughter of Doctor Houghton and Margaret Albaugh.

He worked at the old Patrons Bank for 18 years after which he became a builder and developer retiring in 1984. Mr. Manning was a lifelong Republican. He served as precinct committeeman. He served on the City of Olathe Commission and was Mayor.

He was one of the organizers of the Babe Ruth Baseball Program in Olathe and managed a team for 17 years. He also coached the FFA high school basketball two years.

He was an avid sailor. He and his wife Katy sailed each winter for six years in cruising the Bahama Islands on their boat named JHAWKR.

He was very proud of his seven children and he and his wife paid for 27 years of college and remained a loyal KU fan long after his children finished school there. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wards, Forty & Eight, and former Knights of Columbus, and he was past president of the Olathe Noon Optimist Club.

He was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church where he served many years as a committeeman and usher.

Mr. Manning and his wife of 65 years have 22 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother James G. Manning, Jr. and his grandson, Tyler J. Deeds.

Survived his wife, Katy, of the home and by his children: James Patrick; Suzanne Mary; Lorelei Mary; Maureen Mary; Robert Richard; Thomas John; and Dennis O'Neil.

The family suggests contributions to the Olathe Noon Optimist Foundations or the Earl Collier Post #153 of the American Legion