Jeral Eugene Manning

Bakersfield Jeral Eugene Manning was born on March 12, 1940 to Vera Viola Priddy and Willie Davis Manning in Bakersfield, California and passed away peacefully in his home on March 1, 2024. Dad was the 5th child of 9 in their large but very poor family. The family had moved from Hartshorn, Oklahoma in search of work and a home. The rustic beginnings of Dad 's life, living in the East foothills of Bakersfield, served to train him in the ways of farming, country living and a hard work ethic. He had fond memories of his youth, sleeping outside, picking cotton and potatoes in Lamont with his entire family as a young boy and into his teen years.

He excelled in all sports throughout his whole life, but was especially fond of an award he won at EBHS (making 100 of 100 in-game free throws) and would often laughingly joke that his record hasn't been beaten yet. Dad went on to play numerous local baseball and fast-pitch softball teams at the highest levels well into his 30's. Dad soon fell in love with coaching baseball and playing whatever sport he could throughout his lifetime. He achieved many trophies in baseball, basketball and golf, which were displayed proudly in the family home. Sports were always a big source of joy in Dad's life, and a great source of friendship for him, meeting with his high school sports team once every year.

Dad was well known for his hard work ethic and his devotion to his family. Even after the workday was done, he would continue working. Dad would do extra work on the weekends in order to earn money or just to help a friend in need. He was never one to sit idly, and he attributed to the training from his hard working parents. He would often recall that he would sleep 4-6 hours so that he could get to work. Dad was involved in several businesses, built many structures, and installed the air conditioning in many buildings in Bakersfield. He excelled in sheet metal work and making unique inventions in the oil industry.

Dad's entire family was his daily concern. He made sure everyone's needs were covered, especially once his father became ill and passed away at an early age. Honoring the promise he made to his Dad, he was always there for his mother and siblings. Throughout his life Dad truly honored his parents and the Christian values they taught him. Dad always remained very close with our very, very large family. It was well known that he would help whenever there was a need. Dad also enjoyed both hunting and fishing and saw it as a way to provide food for his family.

His children Cheryl Manning (Cox), Jill Manning (Bennett), Vance Manning, and Deanna Manning (Johnson) were loved dearly. He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, June Marie Gradowitz, in 1961. Their love was unbreakable during their 61 year marriage, until June passed away in death in December of 2022. He could never truly recover from her death, and lived his last year in pure sorrow. June had told her children that she never wanted anything in her life except to marry Jeral. He was her prize, and she honestly was his as well. Dad was also a prize and a hero to us as his children. He pulled his own daughter Deanna out of the pool and beat the water out of her lungs until she started breathing again when she had unknowingly crawled out of the house and had fallen in. He had a story about everyone and everything from his life. Dad had a wonderful way of telling stories, and they will be remembered lovingly by all.

Jeral was preceded in death by his parents Willie and Vera, his wife June, and his brothers Willie Jr. (Bill), James Albert (JA), Wayne, and his sisters Mary Alice (Brannon), and Gwendolyn (Skains/Pavelka). He is survived by his brother Oland, Sisters Shirley (Sargeant) and Anna Mae (Byrum), and his children, 9 Grandchildren (Alan, Kyle, Kaycee, Kiefer, Sarah, Kindra, Jori, Chad, Ryder), 11 Great Grandchildren (Aden, Daniel, Grayson, Elynn, Ryden, Kyerin, Gracie, Ella, Revyn, Jaziah, Emberlyn). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews from his 8 brothers and sisters. His entire family loved him so very much, which really is the best testament of who Dad really was as a person.

A celebration of life will be held on April 11, 2024, 7pm, at Lemcado Venue Hall located at 12557 Jomani Drive, Bakersfield, CA.