Paula J Manning

Our beloved mother, Paula Josepha Manning, originally from Dahlgren Illinois, wife of Colonel (U. S. Army Retired) Thomas Joseph Manning, died peacefully on Monday, October 7, 2024, at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, after a short illness, surrounded by members of her immediate family.

Paula was born June 23, 1928, one of seven children, to William Acks and Paula Acks (maiden name Beeler). Paula’s husband of 67 years, and all her siblings, Italene Acks, Ernie Weinmann, Eva Aberson, Wilma Keene, Isabel Clicquennoi, and Robert Acks, preceded her in death. Paula is survived by her seven children, Thomas Arthur Manning, Mary Susan Kirkwood-Yates, Eileen Louise Keelan, Elizabeth Ann Hansen, Robert Christopher Manning, Kathleen Theresa Dameron, Paul Joseph Manning, twelve grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. Two grandchildren, Christina Marie Manning and Connor Thomas Kirkwood-Yates, also preceded her in death.

Paula graduated valedictorian of her high school class in 1946. Paula was a devoted military spouse and military Mom, and because it was her true calling, she chose to be a homemaker. Mom was also a devout Catholic. As a patriot and devout Catholic who embraced the values and ethics of a small midwestern American town, Paula brought a wholesomeness and joyful spirit, as spouse and mother, to the Manning family. As a military family, Mom held the Manning’s together as the family moved frequently; three times to Germany, Fort Sheridan Illinois, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Fort Lee, Virginia, the Pentagon, the Army War College in Carlisle Pennsylvania, and multiple times to Fort Bliss, right here in El Paso. Paula also led her family through the many challenges associated with military life when her husband was deployed to Korea and Vietnam, and assigned to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for periods spanning a year each time. Paula was a loving and distinguished role model. We seek to honor her now that she has entered the kingdom of heaven.

Visitation will take place at Martin Funeral Home East on Monday, October 21, 2024, from 5:00pm-10:00pm, with a recitation of the rosary beginning at 6:00pm. On Tuesday, October 22, 2024 Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30am at St Raphael's Parish 2301 Zanzibar. Paula will be laid to rest beside her husband at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 1:00pm. Active pallbearers will be Thomas Manning, Robert Manning, Paul Manning, Corey Carlos, Thomas Dameron, and Enzo Manning. Scott Manning is an honorary pallbearer.