Jeff Wyatt Manning

Jeff Wyatt Manning August 8, 1929 - January 9, 2012 Jeff Wyatt Manning was born on August 8, 1929 in Shark, Arkansas. He was the youngest of seven children born to Grover and Fannie Lou Manning. As a boy, Jeff developed a quick mind, wit, and temperament, as well as, a strong work ethic and great sense of humor. Jeff spent his early years growing up on a farm in Arkansas and moved to California in 1942. The family settled in downtown, Bakersfield and Jeff attended Kern Union High School. After high school, Jeff joined the United States Coast Guard and served as an Engine Man. He was stationed in Juneau, Alaska when he met a pretty, young usherette working at the local movie theatre. Her name was Mae Dapcevich and she became the love of Jeff's life. Jeff and Mae were married on January 4, 1949. Jeff and Mae had a special love that was always apparent in the kind, affectionate, and respectful manner in which they treated each other. They enjoyed every moment spent together. Jeff and Mae moved to California and Jeff attended Lassen College where he excelled in sports and gunsmithing. They decided to start a family and their first son, David, was born in 1951, followed by Denise, Dean, and Dennis in 1958, 1962, and 1964. Jeff and Mae were united in their dedication to their family. They had high, yet reasonable and loving expectations for each of their children and they gave all of the support that was needed so that each child could pursue their interests and achieve individual goals. He was always willing to help with any project, big or small. Jeff was truly invested and interested in all aspects of the lives of his children, their spouses, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren. Jeff wanted the best and felt like he knew what was best for each family member and didn't hesitate to let them know. He even performed match making services for his grandchildren if he came across an unsuspecting, yet suitable beau. It sounds funny, but he did it out of love. Jeff attended all school and sporting events with great enthusiasm and pride. He was an avid fan of every school where his family members attended, worked, or coached. In recent years, during football season, you could find him at Ridgeview High School. He would bring sandwiches for everyone from Caesar's Deli and then he would get busy watching every play of every game. He was more than willing to cheer and vigorously advise the referees, Coach Manning (Dennis), and the other coaches as needed, from the stands. He showed the same level of support for the B.C. Renegades for more than forty years. Prior to going to work for Tumblin Construction Company in 1956, Jeff worked for Vincent's Sporting Goods. At Tumblin Company, Jeff proved himself to be an extremely competent construction worker and supervisor. He thoroughly understood every aspect of the job and made sure that the work was done correctly. Jeff became a partner in Tumblin Company in 1974 where he demonstrated the characteristics of a shrewd and successful businessman. Jeff and his oldest son David, became the sole partners of Tumblin Company in 2001. Jeff was especially proud of some of Tumblin's larger projects such as Memorial Stadium and numerous schools and bridges. In 1982, Jeff and Mae opened Manning's Yogurt. Their goal was to run a successful business with quality products and to provide jobs for their grandchildren and other young people in the community. Anyone who worked for the Mannings at Tumblin or at the yogurt shop learned the value of integrity, hard work, and a job well done. Much has been said about Jeff's admirable character and work ethic, but he also had a great sense of humor and loved to have fun. He enjoyed rooting for high school teams, the Renegades, and he was serious about Angel's Baseball. He enjoyed playing golf with family and friends. Jeff loved to get the whole family together and we have fond memories of family barbecues, dinners at Mexicali, Christmas Morning, Mammoth, and numerous family vacations. It was during a house boating trip that Jeff impressed everyone by jump starting and skiing all over the Delta at the age of 75. Jeff and Mae made it clear that they wanted their family to always work, play, and stay together. Jeff was fiery, funny, and amazingly strong until the end of his battle with cancer. He passed away on January 9, 2012 at the age of 82. He had a long and full life and the lives of family and friends are richer through loving him. Jeff is survived by: Sister Gerry Higgins of El Reno, Oklahoma; David and Penny's family, Chad, Tiffany, and Kate, Josh, Heather, Levi, Dakota, Tatum, and Claire, Zac, Nikol, Zaley, Maelana, and Jonah, Stephanie, Will, and Memphis Perry; Denise and Pete Audap's family, Amy and Emily Flowers, Kelsey; Dean and Shawna's family, Ali and Brian Stanley; Dennis and Pam's family, Sidney and James Borden, Lee, Vinnie The family would like to thank all of the friends and family members for all of their help and support. Funeral services for Jeff Manning will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at Greenlawn Southwest Mortuary and Cemetary at 10:00 A.M. www.bakersfield.com/obits