Deacon Robert Louis Manning, age 78, left us to be with the Lord on July, 26, 2018. He was born into the union of Ross Manning and Ida Lee Patton on July 19, 1940 in Earle, Arkansas. While he was born and raised in Earle, Arkansas, he made his way to Kansas City, Missouri by way of Chicago, Illinois, where he was a lifelong resident. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ida Lee Walker-Patton and Ross Manning; two brothers, Willie J. Clark, and Leotis Patton, and one sister, Norma Jean Patton.

Deacon Manning accepted Christ at an early age and faithfully attended Rescue Baptist Church until his health diminished. He was employed with Ford Motor Company and retired after 30 years of dedicated service. He had a passion for and enjoyed talking on the CB, and was known by other fellow CB talkers as "Doc Holiday". When not talking on the CB, he enjoyed watching western television shows and movies. He was also very social and would talk to anyone willing to engage in conversation, and would talk with them about anything.

The patriarch of the family, he was a devoted husband and proud father who enjoyed entertaining and having a good time, eating good food, and laughing. He was always up to hearing a good joke, and reminiscing about the great times and special moments in his life. His warmth, his smile, and his presence will be missed but never forgotten.

He leaves to cherish and uphold his long legacy: his wife of 53 years, Eva Manning; children, Rosa Lee (Frank) Lipsey, Montrea (Keith) Bowman, Verrale Manning, Robert (Rosalind) Manning, Wesley (Darcey) Manning, and Shonda (Keith) Freeman; 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, family, friends, and a very close longtime friend, Evern Thower, Jr.