Doland Carlton Maner

With reverence, gratitude, and deep faith, we remember and celebrate the extraordinary life of Doland Carlton Maner—a man whose century-long journey was marked by service, love, leadership, and an unwavering devotion to God and community.

Doland Carlton Maner was born on August 7, 1922, in Decatur, Alabama, to Emery Guindoland Maner and Annie Pearl Earwood. At the age of seven, his family moved to Arlington, Texas, the city that would forever hold his heart and become the stage upon which he lived out his remarkable calling.

He was educated in Arlington, graduating from Arlington High School in 1940, and later attending North Texas Agriculture College (now the University of Texas at Arlington). Answering a higher call during a time of global uncertainty, Doland enlisted in the United States Navy on August 3, 1942, serving honorably during World War II. For his faithful service, he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the Navy Good Conduct Medal—honors that reflected both his courage and character.

Following his military service, Doland returned home and began a career that mirrored his life: built from the ground up through integrity, perseverance, and vision. At Southern Ornamental Steel Fabrication Company, he worked his way from humble beginnings to become President and CEO, eventually retiring as Chairman of the Board at just 57 years old. His leadership was admired, his fairness respected, and his mentorship remembered by generations.

Doland’s love for Arlington went far beyond business. From 1967 to 1975, he served as a dedicated Arlington City Council Member, working alongside notable leaders such as Tom Vandergriff and future Mayor Jim R. Ross. In the 1970s, his tireless civic efforts helped bring the Washington Senators to Arlington, giving birth to the Texas Rangers—a team he would loyally support as a season ticket holder for 42 years. One of his proudest and most joyful moments came when he was 100 years old and became the oldest person to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a Rangers opening game.

A lover of history and preservation, Doland devoted countless volunteer hours to the Arlington Historical Society, helping restore the Fielder Museum, the log cabin project, and saving his beloved Arlington High School, now part of UTA’s campus. His generosity also extended to Cook Children’s Hospital, the Elks Lodge, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and many boards throughout the DFW area—though Arlington always remained his favorite city.

Known affectionately as a “lady’s man,” Doland was charming, outgoing, and instantly beloved. He never met a stranger, and everyone who crossed his path felt seen, heard, and valued. Yet beneath his warm humor and sociable spirit was a deepening faith. In the final years of his life, after meaningful visits with St. Vincent de Paul, Doland fulfilled a lifelong spiritual desire and entered the Catholic Church, joyfully crossing that sacred milestone off his bucket list. He became a beloved member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church’s Men’s Club, embracing his faith with humility and gratitude.

In 2024, Doland married the love of his later years, Bettie Mae McQuay Maner, a blessing and companion for whom he was profoundly thankful. He was a devoted father to Doland C. Maner Jr. and Douglas Lee Maner, whose lives stand as part of his enduring legacy.

In honor of his 100th birthday and a lifetime of service, Mayor Jim R. Ross proclaimed August 7, 2022, as “Doland Maner Day” in the City of Arlington—a fitting tribute to a centenarian whose fingerprints are forever etched into the soul of the city he loved.

We take comfort in knowing that Doland’s life was rich with purpose, anchored in faith, and poured out in service to others. As Scripture reminds us, “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Cook Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice, continuing Doland’s lifelong commitment to giving back and caring for those most in need.

Though he has gone home to the Lord, Doland Carlton Maner’s legacy lives on—in the city he shaped, the people he loved, and the faith that carried him into eternal rest.