Frank E. Manning Jr., lived a full life
Frank E. Manning Jr., 81, of Lewes, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
Born and raised in Chicago, Ill., to Frank E. Manning Sr. and Ellena A. Manning, he was the oldest of three children. He was baptized at St. Paul's Church, Lincoln Park.
Frank participated in International Swim Coaches Association swim team meets (freestyle) in high school; earned Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout rank in 1961 while at Troop 1, Chicago; received the William T. Hornaday Gold Medal Conservation Award in 1961; was a Lincoln Park Zoo volunteer; graduated Lane Technical High School in 1962; spent four years in the U.S. Coast Guard 1964-68, and was an EM2 at St. George Coast Guard Station 1966-68 in Staten Island, N.Y.
Work included auto sales and service from repairs to management, insurance sales, DuPont paint and liquid coating specialist, and 1 Shot paint specialist. In retirement, he worked for Home Depot in roofing, siding and windows sales contracts and later at Home Depot Store 1604 helping customers solve home repair problems in many departments.
Passions and interests included owning roadsters (Austin Healey, MGB, etc.) for everyday driving and rallies as well as Mini Coopers, Rover TC2000s, Honda motorcycles, RVs and campers, boats, canoes and bicycles. He was a fan of NASCAR and Sports Car Club of America racing, enjoyed pinstriping cars and RVs, and painting cars (1991 Miata BRG w/flip overcoat) as well as airplanes. He traveled to national parks, state parks and zoos all through the country and enjoyed camping on Assateague Island, etc., and fifth-wheel travel. He was an expert marksman and beloved "dad" and "uncle" to numerous dogs, cats, and Panda the horse. Enjoying working with his hands, he assisted his bride of 56+ years with her stained-glass business, sandblasting and etching glass. His talents included carving gun stocks, and drawing and painting eagles and other birds and animals.
When he was BSA Scoutmaster of Troop 1, Easton, Pa., he taught survival skills and instilled valuable life skills and values. In retirement. he was a scout leader of Troop 89 in Millsboro, and Del-Mar-Va Council Sea Scouts Ship 5198. He was a member of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 12-09, Indian River Bay, and the Overfalls Foundation in Lewes, where he volunteered as a lightship tour guide and speaker about life aboard a lightship, which was his first duty station with the USCG.
Before YouTube, he was an indispensable advisor to many for repairs and problem solving including fixing sink plumbing in Paris by phone without visuals; calling in auto problem diagnosis and help to his father and brother without seeing the car; and advising how to install landline wiring in a house in Wisconsin without being there.
Frank Jr. was known for his sense of humor, his kindness, and his willingness to help friends, neighbors and strangers.
Frank Jr. was preceded in death by his father Frank Sr. in 1988, mother Ellena in 1984, and brother Jay in 2015. He is survived by wife Beverly; daughter Sloane Housten (James) of Pennsylvania; son Frank E. Manning III of Pennsylvania; grandson Aiden Housten of Pennsylvania; sister Terry Manning of Chicago; nieces Kimberly Ward (Howard) and Ali Swanson; nephew Brian Ward (Barbara); and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations to one of the following organizations would be appreciated: BSA Troop 89 Millsboro, c/o Millsboro Lions Club; BSA Sea Scouts Ship 5198, c/o Snyder, 37168 Lord Baltimore Lane, Ocean View, DE 19970; or Overfalls Foundation, P.O. Box 413, Lewes, DE 19958.
