Retired Col. Marion William Manion, 93, of Topeka, passed away Feb. 21, 2021.
He was born March 23, 1927, in Humboldt, Kansas, the son of Marion M. and Elvira (Osborn) Manion. He was a graduate of Humboldt High School and attended West Point Military Academy, Kansas University, Washburn University, Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and United States Army Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth, Kansas. He served in the United States Army for 36 years, retiring as a colonel in 1980 from the Kansas National Guard. He was also commandant of the Officers Candidate School in Kansas. After retirement, he was employed by Capital Federal Savings, for 16 years until his second retirement in 1997.
He was a member of the Military Officers Association, West Point Alumni Association, Military Retiree Organization, KU Alumni and Washburn University Alumni, Masonic York Rite and Arab Shrine in Topeka. He also served on the Senate Military Academy Admission Selection Committee.
Marion married Charlene T. OHara Sept. 12, 1970, in Topeka. She survives in Topeka with their children, Daylene (Andrew) Marshall of Massachusetts and Marion W. (Shelly) Manion II of Missouri. Other survivors include his children from his first marriage, Vicki Mirowksi of Colorado, Mike (Becky) Manion of Florida, Vanessa Roller of Topeka; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren including Mara, Decklyn, Wade, Hillary, Rachael, Gregory, Tyler, Chris, Brandi, Becki, Meghan and Josh; and his nephew, Bryan Manion of Kansas City.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son from his first marriage, Martin Marty Manion; and his brother, Larry Manion.
Marion was a loving, caring, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved watching them play sports, even during the pandemic on Facebook Live. He never missed an opportunity to give and receive hugs and kisses from anyone offering. His sharp intelligence was with him until his last day. He was an avid reader, a master of crosswords and sudoku. He was a self-proclaimed Jeopardy champion and Wheel of Fortune puzzle solver. He loved watching KU Basketball with his family and always cheered on the Kansas City Chiefs from his couch.
For this amazing and loving man, he was known as Papa, Poppy, Dad, Colonel, and sometimes Sir, especially if you were in trouble. The amount of love that everyone had for this man was indescribable and cannot be measured. He was dedicated to his family and loved them deeply. He has taken amazing care of his wife of 50 years and was always very thankful for the way Charlene took care of him. The void of him being gone physically is replaced with love that is filled within all of our hearts and bodies, emotionally and spiritually.
We thank God for bringing this man into all of our lives and allowing us to be able to enjoy the many years of love and happiness that he provided us on a daily basis. He is loved so much by his family and friends and will never be forgotten. The amount of loving memories he has left behind in all of us will keep smiles on our faces and laughter in our bellies for the rest of our lives.
We love you Poppy. It must have been 10 a.m. somewhere because it was time for you to go home.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 2, at Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, where a funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., concluding with military honors. Cremation will follow the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st, Topeka, KS 66604 or to Shriner's Hospital Travel Fund, c/o Arab Temple, Topeka, KS 66612. On-line condolences for the family can be left at https://www.penwellgabeltopeka.com/Obituary/196313/Marion-Manion/Topeka-KS