Clarence Elburn McManus

The Honorable Clarence Elburn McManus passed away on Thursday, September 22nd, 2016 at the age of 82. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Barbara Isabella Edmundson McManus; his devoted son Bryan Stephen McManus (Lacy Strohschein); his loving daughter Elizabeth Ann McManus Bailey (David Ryan), and two grandsons Hendrix Isaiah Bailey and Hollis Lachlan Bailey; also survived by his half-siblings Rebecca McManus Andrews and Stephen James McManus. He is predeceased by his mother, Odell Hawsey McManus, and his father, Otis Clarence McManus. Known throughout the greater New Orleans community for his steadfast and equitable judicial oversight on the 24th Judicial District Court, Division ‘’E’’ (1982-1999) and the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, Division ‘’G’’ (2000-2012), he will be remembered and missed by a host of family and friends.

Judge McManus received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business (1958) and was a Tulane Law School graduate (1961). He maintained a private civil practice and also served as an Assistant District Attorney in Jefferson Parish (1970-1982) where he handled felony trials and oversaw the Screening Department. He was elected without opposition—and ran unopposed—throughout his judicial career, meriting distinctions including being elected Chief Judge of the 24th Judicial District Court in 1990. In addition to a distinguished legal career, Judge McManus had a passion for music, his faith and his family. As a young man, he spent his childhood between Meadville, Mississippi and the Bayou St. John neighborhood of New Orleans. In his teenage years, while attending Warren Easton High School (where he graduated from in 1950), he played the steel guitar in a gospel/country music group with his father. Judge McManus was rooted in his faith, waking early every day to read his family bible. His devotion to his family was a true hallmark of his life as well, and he shared his love of music with both of his children, and love of the law with his son.

Judge McManus was involved in a number of civic activities and legal organizations: in 1975 he was appointed to the Jefferson Parish Sesquicentennial Commission, where he assisted in planning the 150th anniversary celebration of the establishment of Jefferson Parish. He was also selected as Grand Marshall of the 1988 St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Jefferson Parish. While at Tulane University, he was a member of the International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi and Phi Delta Phi. Through his professional life, he maintained membership in the Jefferson Bar Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. He was also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Jolly Jeffs, the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana and the Louisiana Historical society.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Services at METAIRIE BAPTIST CHURCH, 401 Codifer Blvd., Metairie, LA 70005, on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. Interment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson Research Foundation and/or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.