John Augustus Manning, III

Dr. John Augustus Manning, III MD was a beacon of strength whose light unexpectedly extinguished on May 4, 2024, as he peacefully departed this life of 89 years which began and ended in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Although born in Baton Rouge, his first five years of simple means commenced in Morganza, Louisiana, where his passion for music was nurtured by his talented parents. From there, he journeyed to Kaplan, Louisiana where he enjoyed Scouting and cowboys and graduated from Kaplan High School. He embarked on his medical career earning a nursing degree from Northwestern State University alongside his soon-to-be loving wife Paula Ann Babin Manning, RN. After LSU School of Medicine, his quest for knowledge and excellence led him to specialize in Pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical School in Jackson, Mississippi.

For 35 years, as a board-certified Pediatrician and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, John dedicated himself to the care of children. In 1964, he began his pediatric career in service to the United States Air Force, where he held his first leadership roles of his multiple stations. At Amarillo Air Force Base, he served as Chief of Pediatrics and Chief of all Air Force Clinics with unparalleled expertise; however, he found time to enjoy partaking in his base barbershop quartet and serenading his children on his ukelele. He would continue his service in later years, but first John left indelible marks in small communities while practicing pediatrics in Morgan City, Louisiana, Pierre Part, Louisiana and McComb, Mississippi; and his devotion extended by taking time to read with children at Holy Cross Elementary and Berwick Elementary Schools. 

While in Morgan City, John was especially grateful in services provided by Ochsner Pediatrics Department New Orleans, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Shriners Crippled Children’s Hospital. This area also introduced an enjoyment for bass fishing, duck hunting, and shrimping. However, while practicing in McComb, Mississippi, he discovered a new sense of fulfillment and peace by simply working his settlement farm in Amite, Louisiana.

Upon leaving McComb, Mississippi, John’s commitment to service began again as he returned to England Air Force Base and Keesler Air Force Base, where he served in various capacities, including the general pediatric clinic, pediatric ER, and adolescent medical clinic. His service in the Air Force was distinguished by multiple awards and commendations, culminating in an honorable discharge as a Lieutenant Colonel. 

As a man of faith, John was christened and attended Episcopal churches until he found solace and renewal in 1991 when he confirmed his Catholic faith. His journey in Catholicism was a testament to his spiritual depth and community commitment through fellowship and purpose as a Eucharistic Minister. Upon retirement as a 10-year resident of Baton Rouge, he was a member of St. George Catholic Church and its RCOs and was grateful to Travis Blanchard for bringing holy communion to his home through these last enduring months.

Amidst his professional and spiritual pursuits, John found his greatest joy in the embrace of family. His parents, John A. Manning, Jr. and Elise P. Foote Manning, and his younger brothers Francis F. “Mel” Manning and James B. “Hap” Manning have predeceased John “Flute;” but he is survived. John was a loving husband of Paula, his beloved wife and steadfast companion for 64 years; he is survived by her, and their love endured through life's trials and triumphs. He supported her love of Mardi Gras and world travel, and together, they raised a family rooted in love and resilience. John's devotion to family extended to his children and grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of his life. He is survived by his loving daughter, Dawn Elise (Kenneth) Arceneaux; his devoted son, John A. Manning, IV; his cherished grandchildren: Kenneth Paul (Jan) Arceneaux, III of Fort Worth, TX, John Alexander Arceneaux of Baton Rouge, and Trent M. Manning of Baton Rouge; several nieces/nephews, great-nieces/nephews, treasured friends, and countless patients, and his care-giver LaTonya Carter, who is “masterful in every way.”

John's legacy is a tapestry woven with faith, strength, intellect, devotion, service, compassion, friendship, and love. Though he has departed this world, he will forever live on in the hearts and memories of those who were fortunate enough to have known him. And in lieu of flowers, he would be eternally grateful to be remembered in donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Shriners Crippled Children’s Hospital.  

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Drive in Baton Rouge on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.  A Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy on Sunday, May 12, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., and at St. George Catholic Church on Monday, May 13, 2024, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at St. George Catholic Cemetery.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com