The Richmond News, Jan. 24, 2025

Gary Manning

Gary Franklin Manning, 76, of Richmond passed away Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at Oak Ridge Assisted Living in Richmond, surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born Dec. 19, 1948, in Excelsior Springs, the son of Thomas Franklin and Martha Virginia (Nutter) Manning. He was united in marriage to Joyce “Diane” Pence of Richmond on April 10, 1971. She preceded him in death on May 3, 2011.

Survivors include his son, Aaron (Angela) Manning of Richmond; daughter, Amy (Chad) Burnine of Richmond; four grandchildren, Austin Manning, Alyssa Manning, Isabella Burnine and Brody Burnine; greatgranddaughter, Arbana Lynn; sister, Kay Lawson of Richmond; and mother-in-law, Wilma Pence. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by an infant brother and an infant sister.

Gary was raised and educated in the Richmond area, graduating with the class of 1966 from Richmond High School. Following high school, he proudly served his country for two years as a military police officer in the Missouri National Guard, attending boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood.

After his military service, Gary began a lifelong career with UMB of Kansas City, where he worked for 37 years. While employed at the bank, he pursued further education by attending college classes and eventually retired as an assistant computer control manager.

Gary was musically gifted and had a profound love for playing the piano and singing. His faith was central to his life, and he expressed it through his dedication to music ministry. Gary began as a pianist at Hickory Grove, the church of his youth, and later served as music minister and deacon at the Hardin Baptist Church for 10 years.

For 20 years, he served as music minister at the Henrietta Baptist Church. At the time of his passing, he was a member of the Richmond First Baptist Church.

Gary and his late wife shared a love of travel and operated a local Avon business together for many years. He also enjoyed camping trips with family and friends, creating cherished memories around the campfire. Later in life, he treasured time spent with his grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Dockery Baptist Church or St. Jude Hospital for Children. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, at the First Baptist Church of Richmond, with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. and services to follow at 2. Interment will be held in New Hope Cemetery north of Hardin.

Please share your memories of Gary with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.