Robert Manning Sr.

1926 - 2020

Robert Blackburn Manning, Sr.
1926-2020
Robert Blackburn Manning, Sr. passed peacefully on December 30, 2020, at the age of 94. Bob was born October 31, 1926, in Houston to Phillip Dietz and Mary Rubydick (Blackburn) Manning. He attended Lanier Jr. High and Lamar High School, and graduated from Rice University in 1946 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. It was there that he met the love of his life, Betty Anne Turner, who preceded him in death.
Bob was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church, a loving husband and father, a devoted Rice Owls fan, and a friend to everyone he met. He worked designing vessels for oil refineries and later for nuclear power facilities around the world. He and Betty loved traveling. His favorite trip was the 3 week tour of China they took for their 50th wedding anniversary in 1998. A fabulous cook, Bob also loved taking pictures on his journeys - he left behind more than 20 photo albums chronicling his travels. He learned to ski at 50 years young and would have made the mountains his home if he could have talked Betty into leaving Houston.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of almost 71 years, his son Robert Manning, Jr., and his brother Phillip D. Manning. He is survived by his sister Marybelle Wooddy, his daughter Robin Manning (Robert Hawkins), his son Richard T. Manning (DawnAnn), his daughter-in-law Kim Ouzts Manning, 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob donated his body to science. Due to Covid-19 no services are planned at this time. The family would like to thank his caregivers at New Haven Assisted Living in Kyle, Texas, for the loving care they showed Dad the last 2 years of his life, and to Encompass Hospice for making his last days peaceful.