Walter Manion

Sterling Walter Manion of Farmington passed away on April 24, 2006 at Mineral Area Regional Medical Center at the age of 82 years. He was born on November 3, 1923, at Shirley, MO, the son of the late William and Bertha (Vieteen) Manion. He was also preceded in death by six brothers, Kermit, Claude, Leo, Frank, Clifton and Floyd, and two sisters, Norma Faye and Fern Perkins. Mr. Manion was a member of the Farmington Church of God. He worked for 33 years as a Plant Operator with St. Louis Water Co. He proudly served his country in World War II as a Merchant Marine, Combat Veteran. He was very passionate about having the Merchant Marines recognized as Veterans. He enjoyed gardening, especially tomatoes (also known as Manion tomatoes ), and was an avid rose gardener and often told his wife he was The Rose Man. He loved taking care of his lawn, as the neighbors said manicuring the lawn. He was a good teller of jokes, saying, I have a little story to tell you. He took great enjoyment singing simple little songs to all who would listen. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Lillian (Rauls) Manion, son, Scott Manion of Brunswick, MO, sister, Mavis Slowensky of Steelville, MO, two step-children, Diane (Mrs. Tom) Power of Utopia, TX, and Joseph (Marla) Soloman of St. Charles, MO, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives also survive. Friends may call at the Cozean Memorial Chapel from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2006. Visitation will resume on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. A funeral service will be held at the Cozean Chapel at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Bill Rawson officiating assisted by the Rev. Larry Johnson. Burial will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens.