Robert "Bob" Wayne Manning

Robert Wayne "Bob" Manning

A celebration of the life of Robert Wayne "Bob" Manning, 76, of a Lost Springs area ranch, was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006, at the McKibben Cafeteria, Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas, with Reverend Carol A. Prochaska of the Congregational United Church of Christ officiating and Echo Moore Klaproth, close friend of the family, was the eulogist. Interment was in the Douglas Park Cemetery.

He died suddenly at his ranch home north of Lost Springs on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006.

Bob was born Nov. 7, 1929, in Douglas, the son of Aubrey Wayne and Minnie Marie (Spellman) Manning. His childhood was spent at the Bear Creek ranch north of Douglas where he grew up learning to ranch, run sheep and he loved horses.

He attended the Douglas High School, and graduated in 1947. His favorite sport was basketball, and he excelled as a star player.

On Feb. 11, 1951, he married Mae Ann Amend, from Lost Springs, at the Lusk Congregational Church in Lusk, and they just celebrated their 55 wedding anniversary. They spent their married life on the Twenty Mile ranch, where they raised their family, and had a full ranching operation. He also maintained the Bear Creek ranch, where he continued raising sheep. Bob was a highly respected rancher and good steward of the land. He loved rodeo and followed the sport from local events to the National Finals. The Manning Ranch sponsored numerous Gymkhanas. Bob was always there to support his grandchildren in their endeavors, especially rodeo. He was quick to help and well received by all kids who needed extra help with their livestock and horses.

Even though Bob loved to tell stories from the past he was also very progressive and stayed well versed in the latest cattle market trends. Bob was a member of the Moose Lodge, Wyoming Stock Growers and Wool Growers Associations, Ashlar Masonic Lodge #10 and the Woodbine Chapter #18 of the Order of Eastern Star.

He is survived by his wife, Mae Ann; a son Alvie W. Manning and wife Billie Ann; a daughter, Debbie Murray and husband Bruce; three grandchildren, Ammie Murray, A.W. Manning and Man Dee Manning all of Lost Springs; two sisters, Edith Lewis of Douglas and Irene Lindmier and husband Bill of Wheatland; sister-in-law Mary Engebretsen and husband Chuck of Lost Springs; numerous relatives; and a host of good friends.

His father, Aubrey, on Jan. 1, 1980, and his mother, Marie, preceded Bob in death on Jan. 7, 1972.

Serving as pallbearers were Jerry Wilkinson, Joe Rankin, John Ralph Sullivan, Mike Henry, Freddie Thomas and J.V. Bolden.

Serving as honorary pallbearers were Dennis Irwin, Ben Morris, Artie Joss, Duane Haefele, Orville Nicholls, Don Jacobs, Logan Brewster, Jack Moore, Tim Ketelsen, John Dilts, Dave Christianson, Dr. Dana Ideen, Dr. Curtis Li, Dave Kreycik, George Ochsner and Rebel Coffey.

The memorial was to the Converse County Ranchers' Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the Converse County Bank, P.O. Box 689, Douglas, WY. 82633 or to the choice of the donor.

The Gorman Funeral Homes, Converse Chapel of Douglas was in charge of the arrangements.

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