Dennie Manley

Dennie Eugene Manley was born on June 27, 1946, in Portland, Oregon to Carl “Eugene” and Loreta Manley. He passed peacefully from this life on June 10, 2026. Dennie and his family spent the first 13 years of his life in Portland. In 1959, Dennie moved with his parents and brothers to Vinita, Oklahoma, to be closer to family. He attended Vinita Public Schools, graduating in 1964. Dennie continued his education at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, earning an associate’s degree, and later received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Northeastern State University. A few years later, he ran into high school classmate, Margaret Koon, asked her out on a date and their courtship began. In April 1970, they married and moved to Tulsa with Margaret’s young daughter, Fauna. In August of 1975, they welcomed their first daughter together, Marla Annette. Dennie dedicated nearly 30 years of service to Unit Rig & Equipment Company, working as a Purchasing Manager before the company closed its Tulsa facility. He later worked for Turpen and Associates until 2013. Retirement, however, did not slow him down. Dennie continued working part time as a bus aide for students with special needs at Broken Arrow Public Schools, a role he enjoyed until his final retirement in 2019. Anyone who met Dennie would quickly learn of his love for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was even known to miss a few of his grandson’s baseball games so he could catch “America’s team” as he called them on the television. He was also an avid fan of OU Sooner football and OKC Thunder basketball. Dennie was passionate about taking care of his lawn - mowing it and picking up the leaves. However, nothing brought him more pride and joy than his daughter and grandchildren. He had specialized license plates made for his car after each grandchild was born letting the world know he had a new grandson, and then a new granddaughter. In his eyes, they could do no wrong and he would light up anytime they walked in the room to visit. Though he could be strong-willed and straightforward, his family knew his words always came from a place of love. His advice to anyone was “Always tell the truth, because if you don’t have your word; you don’t have anything.” Dennie’s big smile, hilarious sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to those he loved will be deeply missed. The Manleys would like to express our deepest gratitude to Chloe, Kevin, and Erikah of Good Shepherd Hospice as well as the staff at Prairie House Assisted Living for their compassionate care, guidance, and support for Dennie and our family during the last 24 months. Dennie is survived by his wife, Margaret Manley; his daughter and son in law, Marla and Brad Warwick; grandson Braedan Warwick and wife Karlee as well as his great- grandson expected to arrive in October; granddaughter Bradlee Warwick; stepdaughter Fauna Griffith (Jim), grandchildren Michael and Katelyn Shepard; and his brother Daryl Manley. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jerry Manley.

Tributes

Dennie Manley

June 27, 1946 - June 10, 2026