Don E. Manuel
December 26, 1931 ~ April 12, 2011
Mr. Don E. Manuel passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2011 in Lake Charles. He was a native of Kinder and a resident of Moss Bluff.
Mr. Manuel served 16 years on Calcasieu Parish Police Jury; held offices as President, Vice-President, and served on many statewide committees. He retired from PPG and was also a rice farmer.
Mr. Manuel attended school in Kinder in his early years before moving to Lake Charles. He graduated from Marion High School and attended McNeese State University.
Mr. Manuel joined the Army and served in combat for 2 years in the Korean War. He was an Artillery Gun Sergeant and received 5 major Battle Stars and Presidential Citation.
Mr. Manuel served in many organizations including, State High School Rodeo Board, President of the State Rodeo Boosters, Coached Baseball for 15-18 year old boys for 8 years, Coached Girls Softball for 4 years, and he coached Football for Moss Bluff Elementary. He also served on the Ward One Recreation Board for 4 years, served on the Ward One Fire Board for 4 years, and served on the CCOA Board. Mr. Manuel started Moss Bluff Buddy Ball 13 years ago.
Mr. Manuel also belonged to the Moss Bluff Civic Club, V.F.W. Post 9933 as Sr. Vice President, and the V.F.W. District 5 as Americanism Chairman.
He was nominated for the Angel Award for Community Service, received the State Andrus Award for Community Service, and he also received the Calcasieu Parish Service Award from the Sheriff's Office.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy, of 61 years; four children, Donna Cooley (Grady) of Gillis, David "Boo" Manuel (Bonita) of Gillis, Sandra Richard (Charlie), Rick Manuel (Lynette) of Moss Bluff; one brother, Jesse Manuel (Carol) of Irving, TX; 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 2PM in Moss Bluff Bible Church. Rev. Ed Rose will officiate. Burial will follow in the Old Richie Cemetery.
Visitation will be held in Moss Bluff Bible Church Wednesday, April 13, 2011 from 2PM-9PM and will continue Thursday from 9AM until time of service.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net
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Billie Jean and I were saddened today to learn of Don's passing. His efforts to make Moss Bluff and Ward I a better place to live are appreciated and will be missed by many. Our prayers are with the family during this time of grief.
I lived in Moss Bluff for 13+ years raising my daughter Ashleigh Manuel. Ashleigh was involved in Girls Softball since she was 5 years old. Mr. Manuel was a wonderful caring man who enjoyed being involved with the Civic Club and giving back to his community. He even helped with the Moss Bluff Kiwanis Club in which I was a member. Mr. Manuel was always there to help anyone in need. May his soul have eternal life. AMEN … Mary (Mike) Manuel
I remember the times that Mr. Don and worked together regarding my cablevision business in the parish. Louisiana Cablevision. He did many good works for the parish.
Kaley and familyI was so sorry to hear of mr manuels passing. you spoke alot about him and i know this is not an easy thing to deal with. As you was there for me with my grandmothers passing last year so am i there for you and your family in your time of need. if there is anything i can do do not hesitate to contact me.
May the Good Lord wrap his arms around you your family, give you comfort.
Ms. Dorothy Family, I was saddened to hear of your loss and will keep you all in my prayers as The Good Lord will keep you in his hands. With Much Love Prayers,Linda
My prayers are with you in this time of grief. Mr. Manuel was a light to our community. I appreciate all the help he gave us at Sam Houston High and in the Moss Bluff Community.
Sad to hear of Mr.Don's passing.He was so important to the buddy ball community. He had such a vision for kids with special needs. We are so greatful for his work and dedication to buddy ball. He will be missed.
To the family of Don Manuel: I want to say how sorry I am to hear about Don passing away. I worked with him for many years while he served on the Police Jury and found him to be very dedicated to his service to the community. As a resident of Moss Bluff, I know that he was very instrumental in making it the nice place it is to live in. He always had a good word for everyone. He will be missed. God bless you all during this mournful time.
To the Manuel Family: There are no words to express how much Mr Don meant to my family and the the Moss Bluff Community. There was never a time that he wasn't working on something to improve our community and we owe him so much for that. He will always be remembered as a true and faithful politican that worked hard to protect our interests and to always put us first. My prayers are with your family and I wish I could say it gets easier but in reality losing a member of your family is really hard and we miss them everyday.