Robert Manchester

Robert (“Bob”) Manchester, beloved by his family and friends, passed from this life into life eternal on Friday July 5, 2024. Bob was born in Ohio on December 31, 1949, to Crosby and Betty Manchester. He was the youngest of five children: Crosby (“Butch”), Madeline, Susan, Otha (“Bud”), and Robert (“Bob”). Bob got his start on the organ playing for Roundhead United Methodist Church in Waynesfield, Ohio. After graduating from Upper Scioto Valley High School in 1967, Bob studied music at Ohio Northern University and keyboard at the Naval School of Music. Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. After retiring from the Navy, Bob continued to serve his country and military personnel as the Houston Regional Director at the Texas Veterans Commission, a Decision Review Officer of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, and as a Veteran Advocate. He was the organist for Bering Memorial United Church of Christ (formerly Bering Memorial United Methodist Church) in Houston, Texas for over 35 years. Bob also served as Choirmaster/Organist at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. He was and is dearly loved by the Bering Memorial congregation, his friends and neighbors in Montrose and greater Houston community, and his friends and family throughout the world. Bob was a gracious host, often opening his home to house visiting music students. He loved art, travel, and was an avid runner. Most of all, Bob was a man of deep faith who loved greatly, enjoyed life, and gave of himself and his talents in service to others. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life for Robert Manchester will be held at Bering Memorial United Church of Christ, 1440 Harold Street, Houston, Texas 77006 on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 11 AM. The service will also be live-streamed at www.beringchurch.org/live