October 1st, 2004.....Merton R Manning or "Mert" to his friends passed away at his home this morning in Fair Oaks California surrounded by family. He would have been 85 in December. He is survived by his brother Hubert Manning of Temple City, CA, and his 5 children, Roger Manning of Pheonix AZ, Steve Manning of Richmond CA, Susan Manning of Fair Oaks CA, Bruce Manning of Portland, ORE, Michele Ross of Montrose CA, and their spouses, 10 grandchildren and their spouses , 7 great grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews and friends from around the world.
A retired Lt. Colonel in the US Army, Mert was a veteren of 3 wars and served for over 30 years retireing in 1969. Born in Grand Junction Colorado, the 5th of 7 boys, Mert attended Colorado Collage in Colorado Springs, graduating with a degree in commercial art. The dream of a career in art was forgone when he was drafted into the US Army in 1942 and again during the Korean War. He was soon to see the world, traveling and living in over 20 countries and all 50 states. However, Mert continued to paint, and make fine handcarved furniture all his life to the delight of family and friends.
He was married to Edith McVey Manning in July of 1941 and they were together for nearly 58 years when in July of 1999 Edith passed away peacefully from Brain Cancer.
Merton enriched his family and everyone he met with his artistic talents, his love of fine art, and his knowledge of world cultures through personal experience. This and his mischieviousness and wry sense of humor will be greatly missed.
A memorial service was held on October 9th by the family at Merton's church of over 50 years with full color guard honors bestowed by the US Army .
Thanks Dad, for my Love of Art and for a job well done!
Love, Michele |
