Paul Manly

Paul J. Manly passed away on top of his beloved Casper Mountain following a brief illness. Cremation has taken place.
He was born in Casper on August 6, 1919 to Robert and Helen Elston (Manly). He attended school in Casper and graduated in 1937. He began a career with Wyoming Automotive Company in 1940 and worked as branch manager in Powell, Rawlins and Rock Springs Wyoming.
He married his high school sweetheart Bette J. Peak on June 14, 1941. They transferred back to Casper in 1950. In 1953 he set up and managed the new Wyoming Hardware Company Division. In 1966 he and a partner bought the Industrial Distributors Division operations with branches in Casper, Riverton and Cheyenne. Paul retired in 1980 after the sale of Industrial Distributors. He and Bette moved to their home on Casper Mountain full time. Paul and Bette were avid snowmobilers and owned one of the first machines on the mountain. The mountain provided lasting friendships, many fun times and fond memories.
The Manlys' together with the Tom Bechtels' and Frank Hazeltons' formed Casper Mountain Development and developed the Starwallow area of the mountain.
Paul was a life member of the Lions Club of Casper and had served as president and deputy district governor. He served three terms on the Natrona County Parks Board.
He is survived by his daughter Susan Siler (Richard), a grandson Paul Siler (Gwendolyn), three great grandchildren, five nieces, two nephews and his good friend and traveling companion Evelyn Jones.
He was preceded in death by his wife Bette and his two brothers Robert Elton and David Clayton Manley.
A celebration of his life will be held for family and friends at a later date.
In lieu of flowers Paul requested that donations be made to The Casper Humane Society, the Lions Camp for the Blind or Central Wyoming Hospice.
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