Tex MANNAS

MANNAS, F.C. (Tex)
December 15, 1927 - December 22, 2012
Mannas, F.C. (Tex), beloved life partner of Deborah Stone of Calgary, AB, Harrison, ID and Rancho Mirage, CA, passed away on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at the age of 85 years. Few men can pass on being so loved by family, friends, and even acquaintances. Tex Mannas, a life-long member of the Catholic Church, was born December 15, 1927 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Francis Leo and Lucia Mannas. He graduated from the Subiaco Academy (Arkansas) in 1945, and attended college for two years thereafter. After working in Oklahoma and Texas for a couple of years, he joined the United States Marines (USMC) serving with the 426th Platoon. After leaving the Marines, he started his career in the oil fields of Texas. In June of 1955, Tex married Jodie Brewer (until 1983) and the couple immigrated to Grande Prairie, Alberta, where he began working for Arrow of Canada Ltd. Son Patrick and daughter Patricia were born in 1956, son Michael was born in 1959. In 1962, Tex joined Cantex Drilling (Calgary) as the company's Vice President. In 1972, Tex co-founded Jomax Drilling (Calgary), where he served as President until his retirement in 1988. Tex was a member of Toastmasters, The Calgary Petroleum Club, The Earl Grey Golf Club, The Calgary Golf and Country Club, The Springs Country Club, the Oasis Breakfast Club in Rancho Mirage, CA and The Oilman's, where he served on the Board for a number of years. Tex enjoyed spending time with his five grandsons, two granddaughters- in-law, and two great-grandchildren. When he was not teaching his grandsons to be self sufficient men around their homes and at work, he was exposing them to the joys of boating, fishing, and hunting, as well as the inconsistencies of the game of golf. Despite his dedication to golf, Tex was never able to tweak his back swing into perfection or stop jumping at the ball. Tex was the fearless leader of the Mannas clan. Ever the optimist, he met every challenge with determination as well as an amazing sense of humor. He was a futzer, a fixer, and a smiley true gentleman all the days of his life. He will be profoundly missed. Besides his loving life partner Deborah Stone, Tex is survived by his son Patrick, daughter Patricia (Wayne Grimeau), son Michael (Carol) all of Calgary; grandsons Jordan, Kavanagh (Elizabeth), Miles, Walsh (Erin) all of Calgary and Neuman (Kelsey) of Vancouver, and great-grandchildren Clint and Rebecca. He is also survived by his sister Angela Rowley (Joseph) of Queensbury, NY, sister Mary Bergh (Robert) of Wichita, Kansas and twelve nieces and nephews. It was Tex's wish that no Funeral or Memorial Service be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to The Salvation Army. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Tex Mannas, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.