James ‘Manning’ Tisher Sr., farmer, USPS retiree
James “Manning” Tisher Sr., 94, of Milford passed away Thursday, March 18, 2021, just short of his 95th birthday at his home. He was born in Cambridge, Md., March 31, 1926, the son of the late Robert and Wilhelmina Tisher.
Manning graduated from Milton High School in 1944. Following graduation he attended Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md., while in the U.S. Navy. He served in the U.S. Navy as a radio operator in the Philippines.
He met and married the love of his life, Mary Pauline McIlvaine Tisher, in April 1948. They settled and lived most of their married life on a farm in Ellendale.
Manning was proud of his military service. He continued to serve his country as a former commander and chaplain with a lifetime membership at VFW Post No. 7478 in Greenwood.
He was always a devoted husband and father, working hard, sometimes with two jobs to support his family. His main career was with the U.S. Postal Service and farming. Additionally, he was able to figure out how to fix just about anything.
His faith was a priority in his life as he served God as a member of The Churches of God.
Manning had a sense of humor and enjoyed telling stories, especially about his two years of service in the Navy. He was well read and had a thirst for knowledge. His heart was in the outdoors with nature and farm animals. He and Mary moved from the East Coast to the Midwest at the young age of 80 to live his lifelong dream of being a cattle rancher. These were the happiest days of his life.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his brother, Herbert Tisher; and grandson, Howard W. Bowman IV.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Mary; son, James M. Tisher Jr.; daughter Karen Tisher; daughter Donna Manhart and her husband Douglas; and daughter Christina Folke; eight grandchildren, Mark Tisher, Ruth Ann Whittam, Tara Tisher, Chelsie Manhart, DJ Manhart, Hannah Folke, Gunnar Folke and Larsson Folke; 13 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and three sisters, Patricia Tucker, Rose Hazzard and Billie Lou Wilkinson.
A memorial service will be held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, Wednesday, April 7, at noon. Interment will follow at 2 p.m., at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. All in attendance must wear a mask and adhere to social distancing and gathering protocols.
In lieu of flowers, those who would like to remember Manning in a special way may make gifts to The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics at https://cureangelman.org/donate.
Online condolences may be left at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com
