Norman Richard Manning

Richard Manning, 88, was born in Wichita, Kansas to Clyde and Grace Hanes Manning. He grew up in Wichita and Kansas City and moved to Oklahoma City for his senior year of high school. He graduated from Classen High School in 1946. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he met Phyllis Ghormley whose Alpha Delta Pi sorority house was across the street from his Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house. They married on June 30, 1951. Richard served as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, AZ. He received a Juris Doctor degree from the Oklahoma City University School of Law. He retired from Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company having served as vice-president.

During the Big Band era, Richard played the trumpet in dance bands. He and Phyllis enjoyed dancing and singing together. He was an avid OU fan. The family enjoyed going to Grandpa’s house at Falconhead. He liked playing golf there and taught the grandchildren to drive the golf cart. A favorite pastime was going to the horse races at Remington Park. The time spent at family gatherings was special to him. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and quick wit.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Phyllis, daughter Michele Hawkins and husband John, son Mark Manning and wife Shelley, son Phil Manning and wife Eden; grandchildren Hilary Clay and husband Michael, Sheridan McKelvy and husband John, Lauren Wheat and husband Jamie, Phillip Manning and wife Kate, Mercedes Manning, Samantha Manning; great-grandchildren, Spencer McKelvy, Henry Clay, Claire McKelvy.