Coolidge Columbus Manes

Coolidge Columbus Manes was born on December 22nd, 1927 near Gideon, OK, the son of William Roscoe and Grace Pearl (Smith) Manes. He graduated from Central High School in Tahlequah, OK, and served in the Army National Guard during World War II. Life was difficult, and everyone was pressed into duty, serving in every capacity possible. Coolidge worked in a shipyard in California, and as an ice delivery driver in Hulbert and Tahlequah area. It was on this ice route he met the love of his life, Ruby Sue Johnson, and it was the beginning of a beautiful life. They married in Huntsville, AR, and together raised a family of two sons and two daughters, Teresa, Rickie, Mickey, and Vickie. Coolidge was never one to sit still and watch the grass grow. He worked constantly, whether it was installing telephones, or as a route salesman, security guard, and numerous positions for the City of Tahlequah, including Police officer, Street Department Laborer, and finally at his retirement, the Sanitation Department. He was an active member of the Cherokee Masonic Lodge #10. His most important job was serving his Lord and Savior as a Minister of the word in churches in the area such as Bluff Avenue Freewill Baptist, Welling General Baptist, Caney Baptist Vian Freewill, Faith Freewill Baptist Church, and Steeley Springs Baptist Church. His time with his family was treasured and he loved sharing a holiday meal or watching the grandkids as they did sporting activities and played. He had a wonderful smile and a great sense of humor, loved people, and would do anything to help where he could. The Lord called this wonderful son, brother, husband, father, friend, and papa home from his many labors on November 3rd, 2023 at the age of 95 years, 10 months, and 12 days in Tahlequah, surrounded by the family he loved.

Coolidge is preceded in death by his grandparents, his mother and father, three brothers, and one daughter, Teresa.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Ruby Sue Manes of the home, and his children, Rickie Manes and wife April, Mickey Manes and wife Diane, and Vickie Manes-Proctor and husband Perry. He lives on in his grandchildren, Angie, Craig, Shaun, Melinda, Philip, Lindsay, Victoria, and Perry Jake. He was also blessed with 11 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones whose lives he touched along life’s way.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.reedculver.com for the Manes family.