Johnny Stanley Manning

Death came calling for John several times, but like his phone, he refused to answer.

John was made in the Philippines and born in Casper, Wyoming, on October 24, 1951. His mother Sally (Morticio Romero) Manning was a war bride, who fell for a young handsome sailor John Manning, during the Theatre in the Pacific. Though he looked like a man of the world, John spent his whole life in Casper, graduating from Kelly Walsh High School (1970) and the Casper College Nursing Program (1995).

From his marriage to Frances Casias there came a son, John Manning III. The couple divorced when their son was fully raised. In June 1992 he met the love of his WHOLE life, Henrietta Marvel at the Beacon thru a mutual friend. It was love at first sight for John. They married in 1995 after John completed nursing school and were a fantastic duo thereafter.

He was known by many names including, Dad, Poppa, Johnny Salami, Cue Ball, Baby, Precious, Brother, and Uncle. John liked to describe himself as a "card carrying Psychiatric Nurse" who was also a Certified Code Welder. He received the Casper College Nursing Faculty Spirit of Nursing Award for the class of 1995, sponsored by the United States Army Nurse Corps. He pondered, perhaps because he was the first to volunteer to be a bed bath recipient by fellow students, or because all of his instructors had worked with his Aunt Sis, or so many were curious to see his tattoos, who knows! John loved nursing. With his family watching, he proudly accepted the award at the Nurse Pinning Ceremony.

John was extremely proud of his 20 year Dedicated Service Award from Wyoming Behavioral Institute (WBI). He enjoyed all of his coworkers and the many patients he served over the years . When out and about, he would invariably hear the pitter patter of feet of people approaching him to hug him and tell him thank you, and let him know how they were doing. It was thru this employment he met Dr. Larry Plemmons. John reluctantly left WBI to work for the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). He loved working side by side with his friend, mentor, and a man he deeply admired, Dr. Plemmons. He retired from the VA and was honored to have served so many veterans. In his home hung the letter he received from Senator John Barrasso, M.D., thanking John for treating all veterans with compassion, respect, and gratitude. His gold embossed Certificate of Retirement from the VA, was also one of his prized possessions.

John truly was a work of art. He was tattooed from his head to his toes and everything in between. He boasted that for many years he was the most tattooed person in the state! In his younger days he practiced tattooing on himself then opened the 1st Tattoo Shop in Casper on East 2nd Street. At that time there were no regulations on tattoo shops. He had to go before the City Council to be approved. His Aunt Sis helped him get the auto clave and all the necessary sterile equipment needed back in the day. John was always stretching the limits. He owned and operated Casper's first 24 hour gym, The Iron Jungle for many years with his brother David Romero. Armed with classes in auto mechanics John and his brother Jack owned Manning Brothers Off-Road Center. They were among the first to do push bars, roll bars and truck lifts. He was a jack of all trades! He worked at several jobs over the years to support his family including Anderson Drilling, Texaco, and UPS when it first came to town. John was well known for the creases in his clothing. It was said you couldn't stand too close to him, or you might cut yourself on his creases. He loved sharing his skill and knowledge with others. He was the Director of Education at a Certified Welding and Trade School. When they closed their doors, John went back to school at age 39 and became a nurse! John was so happy to be teaching his son to weld, but his illness did not allow him to continue.

John was an avid car enthusiast. He was well known for the many unique vehicles he restored and re-designed. Among them a Dodge Dart Swinger, Ford Anglia, M-37, Duce and a half, ZO6 Corvette, and his award winning black chopped top low rider 1951 Chevy. He won People's Choice Award Trophies in Casper and Riverton. He probably would have won several other places, but John did not like to travel. Many of the trophies he earned were for power lifting. Many years ago he put on a weight lifting competition at the Rawlins State Prison. The Inmates made a special buckle for him. When asked about his time in prison (which was only to hold the weight lifting competition), John would always lower his head and say, "I don't like to talk about it." Thus another layer was added to the legend of John Manning.

Equal to his car building skills was his ability to fabricate anything made of metal. His motorcycles ranged from jockey shift rattlers, to trikes, to Triumphs, Harley Davidson and Ducatii. He gladly shared his gift for making Kool things for his friends and family, working on whatever they needed. Slowly he gave up so many of his passions, due to advancing conditions, even he was not aware of.

He loved going to guys lunch with his very best friend of 59 years, Bradley Gay. Their record was 6 hours lunch! Mr. John loved the many hours he hosted Happy Hours and lunches in his beautiful back yard with family and countless friends. Not in the usual way, but just eating and drinking and being HAPPY! In his last days he walked around his entire yard surveying all he had created and left for us to enjoy, in the company of his dear friend John Cole.

He loved his family beyond compare. He was preceded in death by the biggest influencers in his life, his grandparents Blaine Ezram Manning and Mae Copeland Manning; also brother Steve Romero, Aunt Sis (Shirley) Manning, LPN; sister Cynthia Mockensturm, as well as an infant great niece.

He is survived by his beloved wife Henrietta; his son John (Tierney) Manning III – Casper, WY; brother Raymond (Merle) Haloman - Gillette, WY; sister Sue (Don) Thorne - Mills, WY; brother Jack (Debbie) Manning-Grand Junction, CO; brother David (LaVonne) Romero – Casper; sister Karen (Charlie) Unangst - Casper; one granddaughter Briahnna Mae Manning; several nieces and nephews all over the place, and several great nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all.

For almost 2 years John battled cancer, never letting on about the pain he endured, but telling everyone he was doing fine. He was always fine. Thank you so much to his entire medical care team for their outstanding care especially: Dr. Eric Lawrence, Dr. Trojan, Dr. Joseph Rosen, Dr. Dowell, Dr. Todd Beckstead, together and all their staff and the multitude of doctors, nurses and others of Wyoming Medical Center and Banner Health. On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, surrounded by all his family, Death came for him one last time, not like a thief in the night, but boldly claiming his prize in the broad day light of morning. We watched as he slipped away peacefully. In true John style, he waited for his family to all be there. The beauty of that day did not conceal our sorrow.

Per his wishes there will be no funeral or service of any kind. Newcomer's funeral home is in charge of his last wishes. Years ago he had a stone carved with his name and that of Henrietta at the Three Trails Center. You may find it there and know, he was everyone's rock. John loved many kinds of music especially country music. His favorite songs were: Life's a Dance by John Michael Montgomery; Things Change by Dwight Yokum; and Past the Point of Rescue by Hal Ketchum.

In memory of John please buy a meal for a veteran or an old couple anonymously, no cameras rolling or picture taking. He was very fond of doing that. We know John will be standing by those Pearly Gates when it is our turn. For those of us who are not as good as John, we know he'll either sneak us under the gate or let us in the side door.

Arrangements are under the direction of Newcomer Casper. To share a memory of John or leave a special message for his family, please click the 'Share Memories' button above.