Richard D. Manning, a longtime resident of Morgan Hill, died July 13, 2003. He was 86.
Manning was born in Childress, Texas, on Dec. 14, 1916. He was premature and kept in a shoebox in the oven after his birth.
He married Dorothy Pauline Pruitt, July 18, 1936. They moved to California with hopes of the American Dream. They lived in Santa Clara County for almost 70 years. They owned the Morgan Hill Ready Mix plant, later trading it for the Morgan Hill Motel. He later added apartments and a trailer court. He built several housing tracts in Morgan Hill and Gilroy. Manning Avenue in Gilroy is named after him.
He was a member of the Masconic Lodge for almost 50 years and was a Shriner. He served in the Army during World War II. He took great pride in the military and the country he loved. He always honored his country by wearing flag pins, flying the flag, and enjoyed gardening, roses, birds, John Wayne memorablia, western attire, his cowboy boots, buckle and bollo tie collection.
He is survived by his second wife, Estelle Scott Manning. They lived happily at Woodland Estates with their kitten, “Little Richard.” He took pride in his family, Michael and Deanna Manning of Yorba Linda, the Rev. Mark and Dottie Stewart of Gilroy, Patty and Tim Nickolson of Redding; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his brothers and sisters.
A graveside service took place at 10 a.m. today, July 18, at Oak Hill Memorial Park, San Jose.
Arrangements were under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.
We love you dad! We’ll see you again. Your children and family.
A picture of Tim Nickolson, not Richard Manning, was published in Friday’s edition of The Times. The correct picture is with today’s obituary.
