Everett Manning Jr., 77, of Denver, Ind., a native of Rector, died Thursday, March 17, 2005, at St. Joseph Hospital in South Bend, Ind.

Born Feb. 24, 1928, in Rector to the late Everett Eldon and Bessie Bookout Manning, he was a member of the Denver Baptist Church and the Bunker Hill Masonic Lodge, where he was a Past Master and currently was serving as Chaplain. He was a charter member of the Denver Lions and a member of the Walton Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

He retired from Conrail in 1992 after 40 years of service as a conductor. He was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, serving in World War II. He enjoyed watching baseball, doing puzzles and working on the farm.

He was married July 20, 1948, in Clay County to Mildred Easton, who survives. He then married Willma Cagle Sommers on June 23, 1972, in Bunker Hill, Ind., and she survives.

Other survivors include five children, Ronnie D. Manning and wife Maxine of Macy, Ind., Kevin D. Manning and wife Christina of Peru, Ind., Gail A. Dillard and husband James of Spanaway, Wash., Dale A. Sommers and wife Michele of Peru, Ind., and Carol Brinker and husband Dave of Denver; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Erma Hardin, and a brother, Troy Manning, both of Rector, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Don and Billy Joe Manning, and a sister, Rachel Bradshaw.

Funeral services were at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 20, at the Denver Baptist Church with Pastors Steve Bate and David Welsh officiating. Burial was in Springdale Cemetery at Bunker Hill.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Denver Baptist Church building fund or to the Denver Lions Club.