Mr. Virgle Eugene Maner

Virgle “John” Maner went to his eternal home on September 6. He celebrated his 81st birthday the week before. He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Mary Lou Cooper Maner; his parents Jeff and Willie Mae; brothers Alford, Clifford, Elmer, Vern & sister Helen McMurrian Bigness. He is survived by one brother, George, of Benton, AR and one sister Martha Maner, of Hot Springs, plus 19 nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews. After a long and successful career, John retired as Marketing Director of Wortz Cookie and Cracker Company formerly located in Fort Smith. He was recognized for expanding the bakery products into the international market and for helping move Wortz into a multi-million dollar company. He began his earlier career with Meyers Bread and Bakery Co. with offices throughout Arkansas. John served in the military with the Army, stationed in Germany. He was a member of The Rock Island Baptist Church, Pocola, Oklahoma. John will be laid to rest alongside his wife in a graveside service at Phoenix Cemetery on Buck Mountain in Moreland, Arkansas on September 11 at 11:00am. The family wishes to thank the staff of Village Springs Health and Rehab and the staff of Dierksen Hospice for their care and concern of John during his last months. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dierksen Hospice. Guest register at www.grossfuneralhome.com