Brendt Carl Manning

Brendt Carl Manning was born on November 18, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and passed away on December 29, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 78 years, with his loving wife Darlene at his side. Brendt was a cherished identical twin to Wayne Carl Manning who was born just minutes before him and with whom he had a special bond.

Brendt was raised in Minneapolis and Bloomington, MN, along with five siblings. He graduated from Bloomington High School in 1964. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he enjoyed a distinguished and honorable 25-year career, proudly serving in both the Vietnam Conflict and the Gulf War. He was a true patriot who was very passionate about honoring the United States and the American flag.

On June 1, 1971, Brendt married the love of his life, Darlene, in St. Paul, MN. They began married life together in Charleston, SC. From there Brendt’s military career took them to Yokota Air Base, Japan; Clark Air Base, Republic of Philippines; Moody AFB in Valdosta, GA; Langley AFB in Hampton, VA; Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal; and McGuire AFB, NJ.

Together they lived in and traveled throughout Asia, Europe and the United States, exploring and always enjoying the different cultures and the time they spent with each other, building a life filled with love and cherished memories.

After Brendt’s military retirement they traveled in their RV for several years with their pet pug Mai. They eventually settled in Las Vegas, Nevada, where another special pet, Sunshine, a very talkative yellow cockatiel, was added to their family. Using his military engineering skills, Brendt designed and built their home. He also worked as a security dispatcher and an armed officer at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino.

Brendt enjoyed a retirement focused on some of his favorite things - traveling with his wife in their RV, photography, and his lifelong passion of restoring classic vehicles, especially 1955 and 1956 Ford Thunderbirds (T-Birds) and 1954 and 1959 Nash Metropolitans. Brendt enjoyed showing his cars at various car shows where he won many trophies and awards. He was co-founder and vice president of the Old Dominion Metropolitan Club of Virginia. He was also a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AAA), the Classic Thunderbird Club International (CTCI), the Metropolitan Club of North America (MOCNA), and several local car clubs.

Brendt is survived by his beloved wife Darlene with whom he shared a remarkable marriage of 53 and a half years. Brendt is also lovingly remembered by his identical twin brother Wayne Carl Manning (Phyllis) of Mesa, AZ; brother Robert Manning of Bloomington, MN; sisters-in-law Rose Wenum of Elk River, MN, and Carol Butgusaim of Andover, MN; and brother-in-law Larry Lessard. Brendt’s memory will also live on in the hearts of his nieces Kimberly Tichy (Jim), Stephanie Mars (Shawn), Rochelle Hernandez (Gary), and Sarah Noble (Ryan); nephews Kurt Johnson (Deb), Alan and Jimmy Lessard, Chad Wenum, Scott and Ryan Manning, all of Minnesota, and Ross Wenum of Florida.

Brendt was predeceased by his parents John and Verna Manning; brother Kerry Manning; sister-in-law Rosalie Johnson; brothers-in-law Steve Butgusaim, Robert Lessard Jr, and Lee Wenum; niece Cyndie Wenum; nephews Keith Johnson and Mark Manning; and great-niece Valerie Wenum.

Brendt was a loving, devoted husband, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. He was a good man and always a gentleman with an unwavering faith in God. He will be remembered for his love, generosity and dedication to family and community. We will miss Brendt’s sense of humor, his strength and kindness, his smile, and especially the twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes.

No services are scheduled.

BRENDT MANNING

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE – APRIL 6, 1967 – December 1, 1991

MILITARY MEDALS AND AWARDS

Kuwait Liberation Medal

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm Device

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Banner Device

Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze TET Offensive Campaign Star Devices

Saudi Arabian Liberation of Kuwait Medal with Palm Device

Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Star Devices

Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star Device

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with Bronze Star Device

US Air Force Achievement Medal

US Air Force Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster

US Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster/2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

US Air Force NCO Professional Military Education Graduation Ribbon with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster

US Air Force Organizational Excellence Award Ribbon

US Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Valor Device/1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster/2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

US Air Force Overseas Ribbon with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster

US Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short Tour with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster

US Air Force Training Ribbon