John is preceded in death by his mother, Miriam Manson, and step-mother, Rita Manson. He is survived by his father, Gary Manson; sons, Mitchell Manson and Luke Manson; sisters, Sharon Nauman, Kelli (David) Green, Amy (Greg) Ruff; brother, Paul (Stephanie) Manson; grandson, Isaiah Manson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
John was born November 2, 1968. After graduating from high school, John served as a fire control technician, ballistic missiles, and third-class petty officer in the United States Navy. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he worked as a department manager for sporting goods at Walmart, and went to school for massage therapy. Other jobs included being a security guard, working for Shred-It, and being a long-haul semi-truck driver.
He loved his family, animals, adventures, and the great outdoors. His hobbies included reading, writing, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and camping. He was the father of two boys, Mitchell and Luke. He adored his boys, and always did his best to take care of them.
Approximately seven years ago, John's life changed drastically after his second cardiac arrest and anoxic brain injury, which led to moving him to the Nashville area to live with his sister, Amy, and her family, who became his caretakers. Because of John's brain injury, he became a man of few words, whereas before, he always had an opinion and something to say.
However, he still had his sense of humor, and on occasion a quick wit. For example, his cousin, Jennifer, and her son visited Nashville, and Jennifer took our kids (Amy's and Greg's) and John to the Tennessee State Museum. While in the car preparing to return home, Jennifer was programing her GPS. Briley asked, "What did you guys do before GPS?" Immediately, in typical John fashion, he responded without missing a beat and with a straight face, "Maps and swearing!" Jennifer and the kids burst into laughter!
John was also an avid reader and would devour a book in no time, and often in one sitting. Even as a young boy, he hid under his covers at night with a flashlight, reading books. He even wrote some of his own, though they were not published.
He was fond of food, loved a good meal, and was an amazing cook. He loved to take his family out to a nice restaurant, find something delicious, and recreate it even better at home.
John was Amy's shadow these past seven years. He literally followed her everywhere. He never had much to say, but was always there. Though John lived across the country most of his adult life, Amy and her family were able to spend nearly seven years with him before his passing. What a blessing! He was always ready to go wherever they went. He enjoyed attending church, singing, and any gathering, especially those involving food!
Even after John's health problems, he could enjoy time with family, playing games, taking care of animals, kayaking on the lake, hiking, and reading. His life, like all of us, wasn't perfect. However, he made the most of the life he was given. He never complained about his situation. He loved people well, he loved his country, and years ago, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. John, enjoy your life to the fullest in heaven! We love you, and you will not be forgotten!
To honor John's memory, we are holding a celebration of life service on January, 12, 2024 at Hermitage Church of the Nazarene at 2:00 pm central time.
We invite anyone who knew him to attend and remember his life.
There will be a live stream of the service as well.
You are welcome to share any funny or reflective memories with Amy.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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