Henry Gordon Manning Jr.
Henry Gordon Manning Jr. was born May 22, 1947 in Goose Creek, Texas (now Baytown) to Lela Thelma (Nolen) Manning and Henry Gorden Manning Sr., and passed away peacefully from this life to join them in the presence of Jesus on May 22, 2025 in his home surrounded by his family.
Henry graduated from Poteau High School in 1965, where he studied woodworking, a skill that grew into a lifelong hobby. He loved building and fixing things for others and could always be counted on to find a solution to just about any problem.
On Dec. 19, 1966, he married the love of his life, Phyllis Vise. The following year, during the Vietnam War, Henry was deployed to Korea, where he served honorably for 13 months. In 1968, he and Phyllis moved to Tulsa, where Henry began his career as a carpenter and bricklayer.
In 1973, the couple settled in Wister with their two daughters, Lana and Carol. In 1978, Henry became a masonry instructor with the Oklahoma Department of Vo-Tech at Ouachita Correctional Center (now Jim E. Hamilton Correctional Center) in Hodgen, where he served with dedication until his retirement in 2007.
After retiring, Henry found joy in the outdoors—especially fishing for catfish and crappie, and deer hunting. He took pride in not just catching his limit, but also in cleaning and cooking his catches with care.
Henry was a man of quiet strength and steady love. He worked hard for those around him, and his family never lacked for anything. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a steadfast provider.
Surviving family members are his daughters Krissy Manning of the home, Carol Pickel and husband Jon of Poteau, and Lana Branscum and husband Steve of Fort Worth, Texas; his granddaughter Hannah Kannaday and fiancé Tyler Baber of Poteau, and Carly Branscum of Fort Worth, Texas, along with being lovingly remembered by his many fishing and hunting buddies, who he thought the world of.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife of 45 years, Phyllis.
The family would like to thank the amazing nurses of Heart of Hospice Care in Poteau for his care, compassion and professionalism they showed him, and for walking his daughters through this journey.
A memorial service celebrating Henry’s life will be held at a later date with details to be announced. Services are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask everyone to donate to the Heart of Hospice at 2703 North Broadway, Poteau, Ok. 74953.
