MSgt James E. Manker Sr, U.S. Air Force, Retired, age 86, passed from this life on November 7, 2018. He was born on September 30, 1932 in Deventer, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, James M. and Helen V. Manker, brothers Paul and Kenneth, daughters Barbara and Norma and granddaughter Melissa.

He is survived by his children, Col James E. Manker Jr, USAF Ret and wife LTC Michelle Manker, USAF, Martin D. Manker and wife Rebecca, Ann M. Wriston and husband Wayne, and Lora L. Kuemper and husband Jerry; his brothers, Raymond Manker, David Manker and wife Alpha, MGySgt Donald Manker USMC Ret and wife Diane; his sisters, Norma Sommers and husband Jan, Melba Stricker and husband Jim, and Judy Holzem and husband Gordon. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and numerous nephews and nieces and various cousins. He was an amazing grandfather, father, brother, and friend.

James joined the USAF in June 1952 and retired in March 1974. He served tours in France, Germany and Viet Nam. He worked at Herff Jones yearbooks, Montgomery AL, as a bindery and printing press mechanic, and maintenance supervisor. After retiring from Herff Jones, he moved to Canyon Lake, Texas. He worked 10 years as a Class C water operator and on the Board of Directors as Vice President of the Canyon Springs Water Company. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and active volunteer in the Church Ministries at St. Thomas. He was also a volunteer at the Canyon Lake CRRC as a Meals on Wheels driver and Crisis Food Bank Center.

A Rosary and Memorial Mass will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 180 St. Thomas Dr., Canyon Lake, TX, 78133. The Rosary will begin at 9:30 AM with the Mass immediately following at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

His final resting place will be The Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice, 611 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130.