James B. Manning

He attended school in Fentress. After graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, he attended Parrish Draughn's Business College.

Mr. Manning was employed with Firestone Tire and Rubber for five years after graduation.

In 1942, he volunteered for the United States Air Force and served as a radio operator. He flew fifty missions aboard B-17s in Italy, six over Ploesti Oil Fields in Germany. He also served with the Air Transport Command transporting fuel from India to China over the "Hump".

Mr. Manning received dozens of ribbons including the Soldier's Medal. After being discharged in October 1945 with the rank of Tech Sergeant at Randolph Field in San Antonio, Texas, Mr. Manning settled in Georgetown, Texas and was employed in the automobile business for thirteen years.

He married Gail Alicia McMaster in 1946. They were wonderful parents to their three children, James Benton Manning, IV, Carlton Shann Manning, and Carla Patricia Manning. While living in Georgetown, Mr. Manning served on the Board of Stewards at First United Methodist Church, the Georgetown Independent School District Board, as president of Georgetown Country Club, president of Georgetown Credit Bureau, and vice-president of the Lion's club.

After leaving Georgetown, Mr. Manning and his family moved to Odessa and then Irving, where he managed auto finance for Grogan Lord and Company for five years. He served on the Board of Stewards of Plymouth Park United Methodist Church and Bankers Life Insurance Company in Irving.

In 1972, Mr. Manning moved his family to San Antonio. After three years he was elected president of Mercantile Bank & Trust and became Chairman of the Executive Committee after seven years. He served on the board of directors of Mortgage Investors Corporation and was a charter member of the Loop 410 Association.

After his retirement, Mr. Manning spent his time fishing on the Texas coast and enjoying genealogy work.

Mr. Manning was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gail, in 2001; his parents; sisters, Dorothy Lord, Lois Peck, Elizabeth Meador; and brother Clifton Manning.

He is survived by son James Benton Manning, IV and wife, Dawn of San Antonio; daughter Shann Gary and husband Dennis of Uvalde; daughter Carla Manning and husband Jim Radtke of Midland, Texas. Four grandchildren; Susan Marie Manning Evans and husband Brock; Jennifer Gail Manning, James Benton Manning, V, and Melissa Gail Gary Adkins and husband, Brandon. Also Mr. Manning is survived by two great grandchildren, Tyler Keith Adkins and McClay Gail Adkins.

Mr. Manning was looking forward to the arrival of this third great grandchild, a boy, who will be born to Susan and Brock in July. Mr. Manning is also survived by sister-in-law and husband, Mr. and Mrs. O. C. Schlinke, Jr. and numerous nieces and nephews all of whom he loved and treasured.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions made to the Fentress Community Cemetery Club Fund, P.O. Box 292, Fentress, TX 78622.