Douglas Mitchell Manning, an avid outdoorsman, hunter, sailor and connoisseur of fine colas, departed this life unexpectedly on June 9, 2019. Doug was born April 13th 1951 to Robert and Dorothy (Birdsey) Manning. He graduated from Glen Lake Community Schools and earned a BA from Michigan State University with a degree in Resource Management. At MSU he honed his skills in event organization as Resident Advisor with the "Big Empire Campout" as a prime example. MSU provided Doug many friends and co-conspirators for life. Mr. Manning entered the Coast Guard and ascended to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Being a Coastie gave Doug the opportunity to travel and live in several different areas of the country as well as the material for many great stories about sailing in freezing rain and snow and swimming rescue missions through 20 foot waves. Douglas married Beth Kaelson in October, 1987. The two formed a perfect couple traveling extensively throughout the country. After the Guard, Doug sold real estate in the Glen Lake area and sailed Lake Michigan. Doug spent the last several years as an estate manager on Glen Lake, wandering the sands with his dogs.

Mr. Manning was one of the most outgoing people in the world, making friends at every port. He knew and could tell stories about each and every one of them. He spent an enormous amount of time and effort keeping in touch with friends: many will remember getting random postcards and phone calls from him from wherever his travels led. He always had time to talk, always listened and was quick with a smile and wink.

Doug treasured his time hunting, walking in the wild in search of the ever elusive big game. He led group hunts, enlisted new recruits to his beloved sport, taught his nephews and friends the basics of gun safety and constantly shared his joy of the hunt.

His stories of growing up in Empire and service in the Coast Guard, hunting and sailing adventures will be repeated and bring smiles and laughter for years to come. He was a proud American and a strong supporter of individual freedoms.

Douglas is survived by his wife, Beth Kaelson, his mother, Dorothy Manning of Empire, two sisters: Cheryl Manning (Empire), and Victoria Manning Brunjes (Peter) of Charlottesville, Virginia and sister-in-law, Carol Peters Manning (Empire), and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Robert H. Manning and his brother, Robert F. Manning both of Empire.

A celebration of Doug's life will be held at the Empire Township Hall, Friday, June 14th, at 1:00 PM. Bring your stories to share.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or a veteran's organization of your choice.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Doug's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.