Neal Joseph Manning

Neal Joseph Manning, 71, of Kansas City, Kansas, entered his eternal home in Heaven, August 4, 2021. Neal was born on December 25, 1949 to Joseph “Bud” and Maria “Riea” (McClafferty) Manning. Neal attended grade school at St Peter’s Cathedral in Kansas City, Kan. He went on to graduate from Bishop Ward high school in 1967.

Neal's greatest love was his relationship with Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Never one to miss an opportunity to share the gospel with anyone who would listen, Neal dedicated his life to sharing the joy of salvation to all. Neal met his second greatest love, Bonita “Bonny” Barnett at the hallelujah chapel in kck in 1972. They married on July 20, 1974 at Full Faith Church of Love. After nearly 10 years of marriage, they adopted their son Joseph from Kansas City, Ks., 7 years later they adopted their son Jeremiah from Plymouth, Mass., a year later they adopted their daughter Grace Manning from Bombay, India, and 5 years later they adopted their daughter Morgan from St Petersburg, Russia. Neal held so much pride in all of his children, telling family, friends, and strangers about them and their accomplishments.

Behind his love for Jesus, his family, and friends, Neal was passionate about music. He never traveled without his guitar. He was always looking for a moment to share music with those around him. He was an avid traveler, having traveled to 49 states (just missing Hawaii), Canada, Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales and many countries in Central America. He loved traveling so much, he spent the greater part of the last 18 years as a truck driver. Neal was famous for his “Where in the world is Neal J Manning” posts on Facebook. It is with great honor that we can now say where Neal J Manning is - in his forever home, singing tunes with those who went before him.

Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Bud (1987) and Riea (2018), his brothers Ricky (1979) and Mark (2010) and his baby sister Lori Ann (2010).

Neal is survived by his wife of 47 years, Bonny, his children; Joseph Manning of Kansas City, Mo, Jeremiah (Kellie) Manning of Shawnee, Ks, Grace Manning of Kansas City, Mo, and Morgan Manning of Kansas City, Ks, his siblings; brother Terry Manning, sister-in-law Vicki Lind, brother Chris (Suzy) Manning, sister Kathy (Dick) Tearney, brother Brian (Mimi) Manning, sister Diane (Rob) Metcalf, brother David (Kelli) Manning, brother Jeff (Judy) Manning, and brother-in-law Steve Wiedner, along with numerous neices, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held from 5pm to 8pm at Knights of Columbus Hall in Shawnee, Ks. (5900 King Ave Shawnee, KS 66203), on August 17, 2021. Family and friends are welcome to join in remembering Neal with music, pictures, and stories.

Dad, your father told you, the greatest love a father can give his children is to love their mother. Well you did that. Well done good and faithful servant.