JOAN and JERRY MANNING

OKLAHOMA CITY Joan Manning - July 30, 1940 - January 9, 2018 Joan Marie Manning was born in Los Angeles, CA on July 30, 1940, to Nina and Rod Absher. Her early school years were spent in California before coming to Oklahoma in 1950, where she graduated from the original Putnam City High School in 1958. Growing up, she always had a great love for animals. She got her first horse, Easter, at 9 years old, who was with her for 22 years. Joan continued her appreciation for animals, rescuing and finding homes for any kind of animal that needed help. She managed their family business, J&J Appaloosas, where she bred and showed horses herself, along with her three daughters and four of her grandchildren. She was a Director of the Oklahoma Appaloosa Horse Club and won many honors for showing, including National Non-Pro Supreme Champion. She is survived by brother, Daniel Absher & wife Kay, of Southlake, TX; and sister, Jean Cavendar & husband Bob, of Fort Worth, TX. Jerry Manning - October 23, 1936 - January 9, 2018 Gerald Joseph "Jerry" Manning was born in Oklahoma City on Oct. 23, 1936, to Marie and Jeremiah Manning. He grew up playing football and baseball, graduating from Catholic High in 1954 before it became Bishop McGuinness High School. He continued his education at Oklahoma State University, earning a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked for three other firms before beginning his own business, M/M Environmental Equipment Company, in 1977, which he continued to run until his retirement in 2013. He designed heating and air conditioning systems for government and commercial properties. He loved watching his daughters' show horses, and his passion was tennis. He competed in many tournaments and won 1st place in the Men's Doubles at the Greens Country Club in 1996. He was a member of the Santa Fe Club and continued to play at least twice a week for the rest of his life. He was preceded in death by his sister, Gertrude "Trudy" Syckle; and is survived by brother, Frank Manning & wife Kathleen, and sister, Rita Davis & husband Lew, both of Edmond, OK. Joan and Jerry Manning married on Nov. 20, 1959, and last November, they celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. They had a large family that will continue to celebrate their memory: their three daughters, Stacy Grenrock & husband Cary, Lori Gordon & husband Ronny, and Shelley Clark & husband Todd, all of Oklahoma City; their eight grandchildren, Megan Carpenter & husband Cody, of San Antonio, TX; Jeffrey Largent & wife Masha, of Oklahoma City; Josh Largent, of Oklahoma City; Cory, Kyler, and Cirina Casaluci, of Palm Desert, CA; and Alysse and Sage Clark, of Oklahoma City; and their five great-granddaughters, Sadie and Violet Carpenter, Syannah and Lillyian Largent, and Cara Casaluci Labrano. Joan and Jerry lived a full and happy life. Their family was the most important thing to them and they were always surrounded by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Everyone always loved to visit Grandma and Grandpa! The furry family members were five horses, five cats and five dogs. Memorial gifts may be made to: Pets and People, Wild Care, Jesus House, or Central Oklahoma Humane Society. The vigil will be held Friday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. Both liturgies will be held at the Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, 7336 W. Britton Rd., Oklahoma City, OK. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.