Kenneth W. Manning

Kenneth W. Manning
Kenneth W. Manning was born October 3rd, 1927, and died peacefully at home on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the age of 96. Son of Axel and Elizabeth Manning, he was born in Barre, MA, and spent his early life in and around Springfield. He served as an MP in the U.S. Army post World War II during the Allied occupation of Germany and was honorably discharged in 1947. He attended American International College on the GI Bill earning a biology degree and was an oarsman on the college rowing team. He met his wife, Barbara Webster, in the church choir, and shortly after their marriage in 1959, the couple moved to Windsor Locks, CT, where he was employed at the Dexter Corporation as a research chemist. His lifelong passions included reading, libraries, museums and bookstores, science and the wonders of the natural world. He was well known for his cheerful disposition and positive outlook on life. A longtime member of Windsor Locks Public Library board, Ken could often be found sorting books for the library book sales. He enthusiastically shared the joys of reading with others and maintained a reading list of approximately 3000 titles. He was an active member of the Congregational Church of Windsor Locks, and for many years worked with the Grove Cemetery Association. He enjoyed over 20 years as a volunteer usher at the Bushnell. His children fondly remember Cape Cod camping trips, canoeing adventures, nights stargazing with Ken's homemade Newtonian reflector telescope, boats built in the basement, museum visits, driving "over and under" at the airport, and chemistry magic in the lab on Saturday mornings. He enjoyed traveling with Barbara and friends in retirement, exploring Europe and the U.S., visiting children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his three children Elizabeth Whyley, Carol Hart, Kevin Manning, and five grandchildren. The family wishes to express their gratitude for Ken's home health aides, Van and Amin, for their extraordinary loving care for Ken during his final years.
Visitation hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. Friday May 31, 2024, at Windsor Locks Funeral Home, 441 Spring St., Windsor Locks, CT. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the Windsor Locks Congregational Church, 8 Main St., Windsor Locks, CT. Burial with military honors, will follow at Grove Cemetery in Windsor Locks. Memorial donations may be made to the Windsor Locks Public library for the purpose of implementing a Library Telescope program, 28 Main St., Windsor Locks, CT 06096. To Share condolences online, please visit www.Windsorlocksfuneralhome.com