Ferdinand Manning, Jr.

Ferdinand Manning, Jr., age 94, of Ft. Duchesne, passed away October 25, 2023, at his daughter’s home.  He had been the oldest member of the Ute Indian Tribe.
    He was born October 12, 1929, in Ft. Duchesne, to Ferdinand Sr. and Martha McKowen Manning.   He grew up mostly in his grandparents’ homes where he learned to practice the traditional medicinal ways.  
    He had served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
    Ferdinand was a bull rider in his younger days and he worked with his father who provided horse stock to Rodeos around the region.   He was a talented artist and created the Seal of the Ute Indian Tribe, which is still used today.  He was always friendly and made sure everyone, especially his family, was well taken care of.   He enjoyed hunting with his brothers, but he usually would rather be fishing.  He was a great storyteller and often told of his younger days when he would ride in his horse and carriage to the campouts in Wyoming.  He was very traditional, taking part in Sundances, Pow Wows, and was a member of the Native American Church.  
    Ferdinand is survived by his children, Devere Manning, Matilda Tapoof, both of Ft. Duchesne; Uleeta Myore, Whiterocks; 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; siblings, Earl (Katherine) Manning, Whiterocks Road; Everett (Sandra) Manning, Ft. Duchesne; Raymond Manning, Draper; Emmett Manning, Roosevelt; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Leona Myore Kamai; two great-grandchildren, Noelaini Kamai, Ruckus Perank; siblings, Albert Manning; Virginia LaRose, Clifton Manning, Eleanor Manning, and Margaret Jack.  
    Graveside services will be held on Monday, October 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ft. Duchesne Cemetery.  There will be a wake at his home in Ft. Duchesne on Sunday after 4:00 p.m.