Obituary of Raymond P Manning

Raymond P. Manning (87) resident and former businessman of St. Maries died on December 29, 2014 at LaCrosse Care Center in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. He was born on April 16, 1927 to Ernest and Caroline ( Edinger) Manning in Milwaukee, WI. When he was an infant, the family moved to Rossland, B.C., Canada. Ray grew up in Canada but enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. He was stationed aboard the USS Saratoga, an aircraft carrier that was to be used in the invasion of the Japanese mainland. Following his discharge, he returned to the Northwest and went to work for Safeway Stores as a relief meat cutter. While working in St. Maries he met Nadine Bennett and on March 11, 1950 they were married and established their home in St. Maries. Ray began his local meat cutting career by operating his business out of Mosley’s IGA. In the early 1960’s he moved across the street to what is now the “Red Barn” where Hope’s Haven has their thrift shop. He opened his retail/wholesale custom meat cutting and processing business there. Ray sold the business in the late 1980’s and retired. As a younger man Ray enjoyed boating, fishing, and waterskiing with his family on the St. Joe River. He was also involved with his sons as a coach and umpire for Little League Baseball. Ray rode and finished the Chief Joseph Trail Ride with his horse Missy. Ray and Nadine enjoyed going to dances at the Kellogg Senior Center. They also enjoyed traveling annually to Weiser, ID to watch the “Old Time Fiddlers” competition. They traveled to Butte, MT to attend the International Folk Festival from 2000 to 2003. Ray enjoyed gardening and car rides up the St. Joe River. You seldom saw Ray without Nadine. Ray was a member of the St. Maries Eagles Lodge, the St. Maries Elks Lodge, the St. Maries Sr. Citizens, Odd Fellows and the V.F.W. Ray is survived by his sons Michael R. Manning of Chicago, IL and Wilson E. Manning of Lancaster, CA and his daughter Wanda Manning and her spouse Jeffrey Herbert of Medford, OR. Ray is also survived by sisters Marian McKay of Victoria, B.C. and Patsy Frame of Toronto, Canada. Also surviving are 3 grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by brothers Stan, Walter, Norman, and Frank Manning and sisters Wynona, Maureen and Caroline. Hodge Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.