Walter Charles Manis, age 87, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018 at his home in Hinckley, Utah. He was born on January 19, 1931 in Kevin, Montana the third of five sons of James Thomas and Marion Kavanagh Manis. His family moved to Millard County in 1933. He grew up in Hinckley, and graduated from Hinckley High School. While there he gained a passion for mechanics and motors. He also gained a passion for a pretty classmate. He married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Rae Whicker, on March 12, 1949 in Hinckley. The marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple. They were married for 69 wonderful years and raised seven children and one foster son Gene Nez.
Walter worked in various vocations. He worked heavy machinery building and maintaining roads. He owned and operated the Hinckley service station for many years which provided him many opportunities to teach his kids to work hard. He was a machinist and maintained the equipment at Brush-Wellman until his retirement in 1993. His ability to work with engines and fabricate parts allowed him to create many fun toys for his family. He converted a mail van into a family RV, using it on many family outings, sports team trips and scouting activities. He built an articulating vehicle frame and attaching a bailer engine, crafted his own heavy duty ATV, before ATVs were a thing. He crafted several go-carts and other toys for his boys to play on. In his later years, he enjoyed woodworking, creating many elegant pieces. Walter had a great love for the West Desert. If you ever went out there with him you didn’t need a map.
Walter was active in his community and church, serving on the West Millard Recreation Board and as a Bishop, High Councilman and Sunday School Teacher. He spent many years as a scoutmaster and young men’s leader. Above all, he loved his family and supported and cheered on all his children and grandchildren in every activity they did.
Walter is survived by his wife: Bonnie Manis, Hinckley; children: Hollie Price, Mesa, AZ; Pat (Linda) Manis, Hinckley; Phill Manis, Ely, NV; Paul (Ila) Manis, Leeds; Kerry (Bonnie) Manis, Lehi; Robert (Cori) Manis, Hinckley; Sean (Sheri) Manis, Salt Lake City; Gene Nez, St. Johns, AZ; 29 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; brothers: Robert and James Manis. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Jack and Edward Manis; son-in-law: Vaughn Price; daughter-in-law: Sarah Manis; granddaughter: Kashara Manis.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 16, at 11:00 am, at the Hinckley LDS Chapel, 188 N. Main St, Hinckley. Viewings will be held Thursday, 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Nickle Mortuary, 190 S. Center St, Delta; and Friday morning, 9:30-10:40 am, prior to the service. Burial will be at the Hinckley Cemetery.