Phillip Manion

Phillip “Phil” Manion, 78, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at KC Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. He was and will always be remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother.

Phil was born on February 26, 1947, in Kansas City, MO. As a young man, he joined the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. After Boot Camp and Supply “A” School, he was assigned as a Supply Storekeeper to the new anti-submarine destroyer USS Koelsch (DE-1049). He helped oversee the initial supplies for the entire ship and, after three months, sailed with the vessel through the St. Lawrence Seaway to the Boston Shipyards in Charleston, Massachusetts. For the next 18 months, Phil worked on commissioning the ship, assisting with ordnance installation, and testing military systems. Following training exercises at the Guantanamo Bay firing range, he was stationed at the home port in Newport, RI, serving with the Atlantic Fleet until his honorable discharge in 1970. He achieved the rank of E-5.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Verval Manion; his brother, Warren Manion; his twin sister, Phyllis Neidig; and his son, Chris Handy.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Nancy; his daughter, Gina McLaughlin (Bob); his grandchildren, Robbie, Sage, and Grant McLaughlin, James Handy (mother, Sandra Herreria), Shelley, Katy, Veronica, Cameron, and Lacey Handy (mother, Christine Handy); his great-grandchildren, Tate and Evee McLaughlin; his brother, Gary Manion (Margie); and his sister, Sharon Anderson (Floyd).

Phil’s greatest joy was his family. He and Nancy shared a fun-filled marriage of 50 years, raising Chris and Gina and building a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness. His nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren will forever remember their grandfather who told the funniest stories, made the best Christmas morning “Egg McManions,” and encouraged them to “always love passionately and have tons of fun along the way.”

Beyond family, Phil loved the game of golf. He was especially delighted when Nancy picked up the sport after retirement, giving them the chance to share its challenges, joys, and the beauty of golf courses together.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Elizabeth Wulff-Burchfield, Jennifer Heins, and Cathy Davis for their compassionate care of Phil over the past six years, as well as the entire staff at KU Medical Center. A heartfelt thank you also goes to the nurses and certified nurse associates at KC Hospice House for their angelic care during his final days.

Memorial services will be held at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145 on September 15, 2025 with the Visitation beginning at 4:30 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 5:00 p.m. A celebration of Phil’s life will continue at Saint Andrews Golf Course – Banquet Room beginning at 6:00 p.m. A private Military Honors burial will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Phil’s memory may be made to Kansas City Hospice, 9001 State Line Road, Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64114, or online at kchospice.org.