TRAVERSE CITY - Robert Frederick Manning, 66, of Empire, passed away at Munson Medical Center on Sept. 29, 2016. Robert was born on Feb. 20, 1950 in Traverse City, to his parents Robert H. and Dorothy (Birdsey) Manning.

Robert married Carol Ann Peters on Aug. 20, 1994 at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.
Robert operated his own house painting business for 35 years and was an accomplished waterfowl wood carver that in the 1980's had won top honors with the National Carvers Association. He was a member and past President of the Empire Lions Club as well as a member of the Empire United Methodist Church.

He was also an avid golfer and following in his father's footsteps he enjoyed fishing tremendously.

He is survived by his wife Carol; mother, Dorothy (Birdsey) Manning; step-daughter, Melanie (Stan) Craft; grandchildren, Nathaniel McFall and Jessica Craft; brother, Douglas (Beth) Manning; sisters, Cheryl Manning of Empire, and Victoria (Peter) Brunjes of Charlottesville, VA.; nephews, Ben, Lee and Sam Brunjes.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Robert H. Manning in 1989.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13, 3016, at the Empire United Methodist Church in Empire. Burial will follow at St. Philips Neri Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider contributions in Robert's name to Empire United Methodist Church, Cowell Cancer Center in Traverse City, or World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th St. NW P.O. Box 97180 Washington DC. 20090.

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