Frank Edward Manning, Jr.'s Obituary
Frank E Manning Jr, age 81, of Lewes, DE passed away unexpectedly January 26, 2026.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois to Frank E. Manning Sr. and Ellena A. Manning, the oldest of three children. Baptized St. Paul's Church, Lincoln Park; ICSC Swim Team Meets (freestyle); Earned Scouting BSA Eagle Scout in 1961 while at Troop 1, Chicago; Received the William T Hornaday Gold Medal Conservation Award 1961; Lincoln Park Zoo volunteer; Graduated Lane Technical HS 1962; 4 years in the USCG 1964-1968, EM2 at Base St George 1966-1968 (Staten Island, NY).
Work included auto sales & service from repairs to management, insurance sales, Dupont paint and liquid coating specialist, One Shot Paint Specialist. In retirement, he worked for Home Depot in Roofing, Siding and Windows sales contracts and later at Home Depot Store 1604 helping customers solve home repair problems in many departments.
Passions and interests included owning roadsters (Austin Healey, MGB etc.) for everyday driving and rallies, Mini Coopers, Rover TC2000s, Honda motorcycles, RVs and campers, boats, canoes, bicycles, a fan of Nascar and SCCA racing, enjoyed pinstriping cars and RVs, camping (Assateague Island, etc.), 5th wheel travel, painting cars (1991 Miata BRG w/flip overcoat) as well airplanes, traveled to national parks, state parks and zoos all through the country. He was an expert marksman and beloved "dad" & "uncle" to numerous dogs, cats and Panda the horse. Enjoying working with his hands, he assisted his bride of 56+ years with her stained-glass business, sandblasting and etching glass. His talents included carving gun stocks, drawing and painting eagles and other birds and animals.
When he was BSA Scoutmaster of Troop 1, Easton, PA, he taught survival skills and instilled valuable life skills and values. In retirement he was a Scout Leader Troop 89 Millsboro, DE and Del Mar Va Council Sea Scouts Ship 5198. US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 12-09 Indian River Bay, DE; Lewes Overfalls Foundation lightship tour guide and speaker about life aboard a lightship, which was his first duty station with the USCG.
Indispensable advisor before YouTube to many for repairs and problem solving including fixing sink plumbing in Paris by phone without visuals; calling in auto problem diagnosis and help to his father and brother without seeing the car; advising how to install landline wiring in a house in WI without being there.
Frank Jr was known for his sense of humor, his kindness and willingness to help friends, neighbors and strangers.
Frank Jr was preceded in death by his father Frank Sr, 1988, Mother Ellena, 1984, brother Jay, 2015 and is survived by wife Beverly, daughter Sloane Housten (James) PA, son Frank E Manning III PA, grandson Aiden Housten PA, sister Terry Manning Chicago, nieces Kimberly Ward (Howard), Ali Swanson, nephew Brian Ward (Barbara) and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations to one of the following organizations would be appreciated: BSA Troop 89 Millsboro c/o Millsboro Lions Club, DE; BSA Sea Scouts Ship 5198 c/o Snyder, 37168 Lord Baltimore Ln. Ocean View, DE 19970; or the Overfalls Foundation/POB 413/Lewes, DE 19958.
A celebration of life will be held in warm weather. Date TBA.
Please sign Mr. Manning's Tribute wall at this site.
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