Walter L. Manning - Booneville

Walter Leroy Manning born on September 13, 1922, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2014. Walter was born in Ogden, IA to Martin and Hazel Manning. He spent his youth growing up in Booneville, IA with his four sisters Betty, Helen, Janice and Marlene. Walter enjoyed sports, especially baseball. After high school, he played a year of semipro baseball in Minnesota. Following Pearl Harbor, he joined the Army Corp of Engineers. In 1943, Walter married the love of his life, Dorothea Ellen Thornton of Adel. He then transferred to the Air Corp and became a fighter pilot where he flew 106 missions in WWII. After being honorably discharged from the military, he was employed at Firestone for 39 years. In 1954, Walter and Dorothea built their own home in Booneville. He enjoyed his family, fishing, gardening and numerous other hobbies; such as making jewelry from rocks and creating stained glass art. Walter also coached both sons in Little League for several years. Books were extremely important to him. He and Dottie drove to the library on a weekly basis. He continued to expand his knowledge in many areas, purchasing his first computer after retirement. Walter was a "do it yourself" guy and life-long learner. Walter is survived by his wife Dorothea and children: Julie (Fred) Jackson, Walter Manning Jr., Alan (Kris) Manning and Corky (Dale) Edwards, many grandchildren and great grandchildren and sisters Betty Fitzgerald, Helen Stangl and Janice Roper. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, March 12th at 3PM at Booneville Methodist Church with burial following at the Booneville Cemetery. A visitation reception will follow from 5PM to 8PM for all family and friends at the Van Meter Legion Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Van Meter Legion (PO Box 81 Van Meter, IA 50261). Walter was Legion member for over 60 years. Online condolences may be left at this site. Service: 3:00 p.m. Wednesday March 12, 2014 Booneville United Methodist Church Visitation: A visitation reception will follow from 5PM to 8PM for all family and friends, Van Meter American Legion Post 403