Harry L. Manges

Harry Leo Manges, age 97, of Manhattan, died February 10, 2026, at Meadowlark Hills – Wroten House. He was born June 18, 1928, near Sterling, KS, the son of Elmer and Charlotte (Scott) Manges. He was united in marriage to Elaine Hope Whitney on September 5, 1948. They were married for 75 years until Elaine's passing in 2023.

Harry graduated from Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Agricultural Engineering from Kansas State University, and a PhD from Oklahoma State University. Harry worked for the Soil Conservation Service in Kansas at Mankato, Sublette, and Beloit before joining the Ag Engineering Faculty at KSU where he taught classes and mentored graduate students. Harry was internationally recognized for his research and publications in irrigation and soil conservation. He was a visiting professor on several occasions at Catholic University in Leuven, Belgium where Elaine was fortunate to accompany him. This led to their interest in establishing a scholarship at KSU for international students.

Harry attended KSU on a football scholarship and was a member of the track team. Later in life he enjoyed his membership in the "Golden Cats" Football Lettermen's Club. Harry's passion was baseball where he excelled as a base stealing center fielder in the Semi-Pro Leagues. In 2016 he was selected to throw out the first pitch at the National Baseball Congress World Series. He also enjoyed officiating high school and university track events.

Harry was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school and was active in United Methodist Men. He was a member of the Manhattan Kiwanis Club and volunteered with Boy Scout Troop 75. He also made deliveries for the Flint Hills Breadbasket and served as chairman of the Flint Hills chapter of Heifer Project International.

Survivors include one brother, Loren E. Manges of Cameron Park, CA; sons Rodney E. Manges (Shelley) of Manhattan, James W. Manges (Becky) of Overland Park, KS, and David J. Manges Sr. of Dayton, OH; grandchildren David J. Manges Jr. (Valerie) of Virginia Beach, VA, Taylor H. Provine (Kirk) of Manhattan, and Timothy J. Manges (Kelly) of Manhattan, and six great-grandchildren.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, daughter Charlotte E. Manges, and sisters Phyllis Pace and Wilma Lanning.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30am Monday February 16, 2026 at the First United Methodist Church, 612 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS, with Pastor Courtney Fellers officiating, interment will follow in Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan. The family will greet friends prior to the service in the sanctuary beginning at 9:00am.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Harry and Elaine Manges Family International Scholarship for Biological and Agricultural Engineering at KSU or the Manhattan First United Methodist Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS, 66502. www.ymlfuneralhome.com