Harold Dean McManis

Our beloved Harold Dean McManis was born in Greenfield, Mo on Wednesday, March 21, 1934 and departed this world on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Harold was a wonderful, loving father, husband and provider, generous to almost a fault. He literally always put everyone before himself. Harold had a sharp, incredible witty way of explaining things-always with a smile and infectious laugh. We will miss his intelligent guidance and outspoken advice, that larger-than-life laugh, but most of all, we will miss his boundless, open-hearted love and strength. He was and is, our greatest hero.
Harold graduated from Springfield High School in 1952, and was also a proud veteran, serving in the US Army. He was honorably discharged in 1958. Harold was a dedicated, hard-working Parks Caretaker for the City of Springfield for 26 years, retiring in 1996. Harold enjoyed his retirement, filling the days staying active by going for long walks/runs every day, lifting weights and working in the yard. He loved music, especially Elvis, Gene Autry, and Governor Jimmy Davis, whom he was very proud to have met once. Harold loved to go places, and we enjoyed his myriad of stories from places he travelled all over the world. Harold had a way of making even the most unpleasant tasks fun. There was no way you could be around him without smiling or laughing. He would say often: "It is better to laugh than to cry."
Harold loved to go shopping to shower gifts on his family, also he was a voracious reader and loved animals.
Harold was born in Greenfield, Mo but he grew up in Springfield, Mo where he met his soulmate, Zella Kay (Hartsell) McManis and they spent more than 62 years together.
Harold was preceded in death by his son, James Dean McManis, his parents, Dora Gillen McManis, James Alva McManis, three brothers, and four sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Kay McManis, daughters Lisa McManis Bean and Sherry McManis Price, and good friend, Michael Coffer.
We will miss our wonderful, beloved "Dad" always.