Merle Morris Manning

Merle Morris Manning was born December 22, 1936, in Lucien, Oklahoma, the son of Guy Manning and Effie Marie McCracken Manning. He passed away June 19, 2025 at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Merle grew up in Lucien and graduated from Orlando High school in 1955. He continued his education at Northern Oklahoma College at Tonkawa and Oklahoma State University. He and the former Fern “Cookie” Cardin were married December 27, 1967, in Perry, Oklahoma. He served his county in the United States Air Force. He was employed as a trackman for the Santa Fe/Burington Northern Railroad company for 27 years.

He worked as a barber between being in the military and going to work for the railroad. He was also employed for a season for Ditch Witch. He enjoyed his family, fishing and hunting. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Perry.

He is survived by his two sons and daughter: Tim Manning and Lisa Edgar, both of Perry, and Michael Manning, Cleveland, Oklahoma; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.

A graveside service has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2025, at Grace Hill Cemetery with Rev. Ronnie Wilson officiating.