Paul Webster Manning

LUBBOCK - Paul Webster Manning, 81, of Lubbock, was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007, in Lubbock. The youngest of nine children, Paul was born to Nina Binford Manning and James Byron Manning on Feb. 16, 1926, in Madisonville, Texas. He married Dene Nevill on Dec. 27, 1947. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this December. Mr. Manning was a member of Broadway Church of Christ and served voluntarily and honorably as a veteran of World War II in the United States Army Air Corp serving in the Asiatic, Pacific, North African and European Theatres. He received his B.S. degree from Sam Houston State University in 1948 and thereafter began a career of public service as a teacher, coach and school administrator, earning a Master's Degree from Texas A&M University. He served as High School Principal for Madisonville ISD and as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Navasota ISD. In 1957, at the age of 31, he accepted the position as Superintendent of Quitman ISD, serving there for eight years prior to serving two years, respectively, as Superintendent of Schools for Littlefield ISD and Marshall ISD. He became Superintendent of Schools for Texas City ISD in 1970 serving there until his retirement from public education in 1995. He returned to his hometown of Madisonville where he owned and operated his "Iron Creek Ranch" until moving to Lubbock, in 1995 to be closer to his children. During his life he served as President of the Littlefield and Quitman Rotary Clubs, United Fund Board Director, Executive Board of Junior Achievement. He was selected as "Outstanding Citizen of the Year" by The Texas City-LaMarque Chamber of Commerce in 1977, and was awarded the "Distinguished Service Award" by the Texas City Jaycees in 1976. He was honored as a nominee by the Texas City Independent School Board for the Superintendent of the Year Award for the state of Texas, and was selected as one of 25 Superintendents in the country to represent the United States to travel research and study education in the Soviet Union. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity and an honorary Life member of the Texas Association of School Administrators. Mr. Manning was a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, Sons of the Confederacy and Sons of the American Revolution; and a very good example and member of the "Greatest Generation". He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend dearly loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He had a wonderful sense of humor and engaging personality. Having been in public education for over 40 years mostly as a Superintendent of Schools he often said: "Old School Superintendents never die, they just lose their faculties". We are blessed that he lived with us here for such a long while, and more importantly that he now lives with his heavenly father and that we will be with him again someday. Survivors include his wife Dene Nevill Manning of 60 years; one son, Nevill and wife Ann; one daughter, Paula Manning Finney; four grandchildren, J. Paul Manning and wife Molly, Julie Manning Mitchell and husband Lance, Meredith Ann Finney, and Jon Nevill Finney; two great grandchildren, Samantha "Sam" Neal Manning and Judson Cooper Manning; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends. To offer the family condolences or to view Mr. Manning's Life Tribute visit www.memorialdesigners.net. The family will receive friends at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers, today, Nov. 16th from 4p.m.-6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007, at North Madison Church of Christ in Madisonville. Pallbearers will be Frank R. Sitton, Lance Nelson, Mike Moses, Ben Farmer, Jay Don Watson and Lance Mitchell. Honorary Pallbearers are Nick Turnham Bill Bradford, Tommy Shine, Bobby Fife, Doug Stiernberg and Bill Wakefield. In lieu of flowers the Family suggests memorials to North Madison Church of Christ, Madisonville, Texas, or Broadway Church of Christ 1924 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401 or the Children's Home of Lubbock, P.O. Box 2824, Lubbock, Texas 79408. Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers