Francis J. Manning

MONTPELIER - Francis J. (Joe) Manning, of Mason, Arizona, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015, at the Veterans Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.
He was born in Barre on May 10, 1935, the son of Percy W. and Mildred (Devino) Manning. He attended Jones Brook School and Montpelier High School and later got his GED.
On Sept. 1, 1956, Francis enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served until his honorable discharge on March 31, 1960.
He married Hester Hale. They made their home in Southington, Connecticut. They later divorced. He worked at the Waterbury Anker Fasteners and Mount Southington Ski Area.
He moved back to Vermont in 1991 and worked for Wheels for a while and would go to Arizona for the winters. He always stopped in Bronson, Missouri He was a close friend of Box Car Willie. He loved karaoke and singing. Francis belonged to the Moose Club and the American Legion. While in Arizona he helped with the Swing Kids, run by Bill Clinton. He also belonged to the Appachee Junction Karokee.
Survivors include his brothers, Arthur Manning, of Montpelier; Raymond Manning and his wife, Tina, of Northfield; sisters, Mary Kelley, of Northfield, Anne Rogers and her husband, David, of Marshfield, Elaine Isham and her husband, Ross, of Moretown, and Teresa Brooks, of Meriden, Connecticut; a sister-in-law, Yvonne Manning, of Montpelier; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, William and Thomas Manning; sister-in-law Arlene Manning; and brothers-in-law Raymond Kelley and Myron Brooks.
Services and military honors will be held in the spring.
The family would like to thank Charlie and Grace Hale, and Beverly Winchell for being there for Francis and helping him out.
Memorial contributions may be made to Vermont Kidney Foundation, PO Box 244, Burlington, VT 05402-0244.
Online condolences may be sent to www.guareandsons.com.