Charles Ray Manning, Sr passed peacefully from this life on Sunday, March 19, 2023.  Charles was born on June 21, 1938 to Virgil Lee & Anna Adele Manning in Oklahoma City, OK.  Charles entered the Air Force at age 17.  He became an aircraft mechanic and witnessed the testing of multiple nuclear bombs on Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.

After serving his tour of duty, Charles returned to the states and opened a drive-in restaurant and eventually became an Oklahoma City firefighter.  He joined the Air National Guard and served in the Vietnam War.

Following the war, he travelled Australia, became a scuba instructor and opened a scuba shop.  Charles returned to the United States, eventually settling in California where he became a motivational speaker for the Werner Erhard EST Training program.  After many twists and turns in his adult life, he retired as a senior loan consultant for Washington Mutual, moved to Sun City, AZ and became a volunteer deputy of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Community Outreach Posse.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, sister Diane, wife Barbara, daughter-in-law Melissa, grandson Damon, and many beloved friends and family members.

Charles was the proud father of Debra (Paul) Newby of Walters, OK, Charles (Kathy) Manning of Sherman, TX, Angela Manning of Stroud, OK, Rodger Manning of Whitesboro, TX and Brenda (James) Celsor of Rocky, OK.

He was the grandfather of Bobby Labrie, Kimberly Williams, Charlie (Madison) Manning, Whitney (David) Tarvin, Tori Manning, Tiffany (Kevin) Thompson; Trevar (Krista) Manning, Branden Smith, and Cecilia (Rutilio) Lopez.

He was the great-grandfather of Brooklynn Manning, Kamon Manning, Briauna Manning, Madison Williams, Jesse Williams, Emery Manning, Macy Manning, Raylee Tarvin, Andrew Tarvin, Peyton Tarvin, Ethan Thompson, Kylie Manning, Aurora Manning, Dean Manning, Elena Lopez, Rutilio Lopez, and Lilianna Lopez.

He was the great-great grandfather of Hezekiah Manning, Naomi Davis and Keanu Davis.

Charles was a truly beloved man and will be missed.  Services will be held on March 31, 2023 10:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1515 N Travis St, Sherman, TX.

The church will be live-streaming the service at the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jwH9p2DUVg