Warner Robins, GA – Duane A. Manning, of Warner Robins, Georgia; formerly of Thief River Falls, passed away from complications of pneumonia on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
Duane A. Manning was born to parents, Lawrence (Bud) and Thelma Manning on August 20, 1937, in Gary, Minnesota.
Duane grew up and participated in driving racecars at the Thief River Speedway in Thief River Falls.
He chose to serve his country in the United States Army and studied radar installations and operations, preparing him for a very successful career in the aerospace industry. He excelled as a marketing executive and ultimately served as vice-president of a large international aerospace company. He traveled extensively throughout the world calling on large corporations. His aerospace career resulted in living assignments in Falls Church, VA; Dallas, TX; Los Angeles, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; and Wichita, KS.
Upon retirement, Duane and his late wife, Dee (2022), chose to move from Wichita to Warner Robins, GA, to be closer to son, C.J. Fox, and his family. He and Dee built a beautiful and immaculate new home in Georgia which equaled all his other homes in other cities where he lived.
Duane cared deeply about friends, family, and customers. As one of his nephews noted, “There was never a dull point in life, when with Duane.” Another shared that he was a fun and very generous uncle. Duane was always surrounded by friends and customers who held him in high esteem.
He is survived by son, C.J. (Laura) Fox; grandchildren, Jude, Lyla, and Bria Fox; daughter, Michelle Fox; sister, Shirley Porter of Fort Worth, TX; brother, Gerald Manning of Des Moines, IA; sister, Peggy Clow of Thief River Falls; and many nieces and nephews.
Duane was preceded in death by three siblings, Robert (Butch) Manning, Rocky Manning, and Yvonne Suronen.
A family and friends celebration of life gathering will be held to honor Duane from 2–4 p.m. on September 14, 2024, at the Clow Farm, two miles north of Thief River Falls on Highway 59.
Duane Manning, 86
