Fred Manning

Fred Manning, 82, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 13, 2025. He was born March 6, 1943, in Detroit, the son of Robert and Loreane (Godfrey) Manning.
Fred graduated from Clarkston High School in 1961 and completed a Bachelor of Science in Education at Central Michigan University in 1966. In 1965, Fred married Mary Ann Erb.
He was an industrial arts teacher at Fenton High School from 1966 to 1973. In 1973, he started Manning Builders, a custom home building company, which he owned and operated until he retired in 2003.
Following the death of his first wife, Fred married Linda Climer in 1988. Fred was President of the Fenton Area Schools Teachers Union, President of the Michigan Home Builders Association of Flint, Junior and Senior Warden at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Fenton, and a Trustee on the Tyrone Township Board.
Fred enjoyed camping and boating with his family and friends and was known as the Wagon Master of the He Who Gang. In his later years, Fred partnered with his daughter, Lisa, to own Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake in Pentwater.
Fred was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Jim and Frank Manning; and both of his wives. Surviving are his daughters, Lisa Manning of Pentwater and Kate (Douglas) Weber of New Lothrop; stepsons, William (Danielle) Climer of Frankenmuth, and Steven Lee Climer of Philadelphia, Pa.; six grandchildren, Stephanie (Laura Izquierdo) Ashcroft, Hunter Ashcroft, Charles Weber, Jason Weber, Melaina Climer, and Brooklyn Climer; and several step-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake in Pentwater, at 11 a.m. on June 7. Interment will be at Thurmond Family Cemetery in Halls, Tenn. at a later date. Those who wish to remember Fred in a special way may make gifts in his memory to their favorite charity.
Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.