Gary Bert Manning

Gary Bert Manning passed away at home on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at the age of 76 surrounded by loved ones. He faced the final weeks of his life after diagnosis with pancreatic cancer much like he lived the rest of his life: with dignity, courage, and faith. Born in Winchester, Indiana on July 1, 1944, Gary grew up in Arba, Indiana and graduated from Spartanburg High. Gary is a veteran of the Vietnam War. For his service, he earned a bronze star. He served honorably in the US. Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He is a member of Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 440 as a journeyman plumber. Gary completed an Associate Degree in Management from IUPUI. A passion for excellence and deep desire to provide for those he loved found great expression in his work as Executive Vice President of Meyers Mechanical Corporation of Richmond Indiana from which Gary retired in 2006. The simple pleasures in life brought great joy to Gary. He enjoyed family vacations, drives in the country, washing cars, and series of beloved dog companions. Gary’s five grandchildren Ben, Jack, Tommy, Ellie, and William called him Pap, and he loved them with all his heart. The center of Gary’s life was church. After meeting the love of his life Janet, on a blind date in 1966, he began attending Zion Lutheran church in Hartford City, Indiana. Gary was profoundly shaped by several Lutheran churches including Trinity Lutheran Church and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Richmond, Indiana, and St. John’s Lutheran Church of Anderson. After moving to Anderson, Indiana in 2008, Gary began volunteering as a greeter and transport assistant at St. John’s Hospital. He is a member of The Victoria Guild Board of Ascension St. Vincent Anderson and founding member of Victoria’s Resale Place. Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janet Wentz Manning of Anderson, Indiana. His children, Matthew Manning (Libby Davis Manning) of Anderson, Indiana, and his daughter, Kerri Manning McFarland (Jason McFarland) of Louisville, Kentucky. A funeral service is scheduled for 1 pm on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 310 E 53rd ST, Anderson, Indiana, the Rev. Dr. Derek Nelson of Wabash College will preside. Visiting hours are from 10 am – 1 pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, with a light lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory.