Tom Manning

Tom Manning, native Midlander and local businessman died, Sunday, January 3, 2010. He was born Tommy Joe Manning, August 18, 1947 to Mary Frances (Norwood) also a native Midlander, and A. A. (Tom) Manning, their fifth child. He attended Sam Houston, and Fannin elementary schools, San Jacinto Junior High and graduated from Lee High School in 1965, the first class to attend all four years at Lee. Growing up he worked with his dad in the dirt contracting, landscaping, maintenance and nursery business, operating the retail business on Golf Course Road until getting his draft notice in the fall of 1967. He joined the Navy and in 1968 was assigned to NMCB 11, the Seabees, in Quang Tri Vietnam. After two Vietnam deployments he was transferred to the 31st Naval Construction Regiment in Port Hueneme, CA and later honorably discharged from active duty. Tom returned to work for the 31st NCR as a Federal civil service employee holding various positions for the Logistics, Support Department. He was promoted to civilian Logistics Management Officer and Director of Deployed Unit Support for the Department. His staff coordinated procurement and shipment of construction supplies, tools, men and equipment to all the Seabee Pacific and Indian Ocean deployment sites. Especially noteworthy were his efforts in the construction from the ground up, of the Navy's Communications Station and ultimately Naval Support Facility on the Island of Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territories. Tom met his first wife Donna Lynne at work in Port Hueneme and they were married Feb 19, 1972. Three sons were born in California, but that culture was not what they were looking for to raise children and combined with Tom's constant travel overseas they decided to make a change so Tom and Donna moved back to Midland in 1982 to open Manning's Garden Center. They became involved in the community serving on the Chamber of Commerce and Keep Midland Beautiful Boards and various other organizations. Tom, a charter member of the Golf Course Road Church of Christ, was appointed a deacon, Chairman of the Facilities Ministry and served on several Elder Selection Committees. Donna died in 1997 after a short fight with cancer. Tom hired a beautiful, talented young single mother of four in the summer of 1998 to help him manage the garden center not realizing the impact they would have on his life. After throwing herself into the business and into Tom's life he realized what a catch he had made and in Feb 2001, Tom and Elisa were married and Tom's three grown sons suddenly had four younger sisters. The blended family has been, and is amazing especially these months since Tom became sick. God allowed time this summer that we might deepen our relationship with Him and each other. Tom is survived by his wife Elisa; his sons, Todd and his wife Mindi, and their daughter Ella; Tim and his wife Chaney, and their sons, Luke and Ryan; Treg and his wife Lupe; his daughters, Bryttanie, Braunwyn, Kylie, and Hannah; and his sister, Janie Etheredge-Massey. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at Golf Course Road Church of Christ. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Midland, 911 W. Texas, Midland, Texas 79701 or Safe Place, P.O. Box 11331, Midland, Texas, 79702.