Percy "Shorty" O. Maneval

Service Information

A military honors graveside ceremony will be held at Greenwood Cemetary at 10:30 AM, May 19th, followed by the memorial service at Lynden Community Church at 1 PM with a reception following.

Percy "Shorty"O. Maneval, 90, was born December 23, 1923 and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 27, 2014.

Shorty was born in Walla Walla, WA and moved to Lynden when he was 10 years old. After graduating from Lynden High School, he enlisted in the Army Air Crops where he was a member of the 454 Bombardment Group during WWII. As a flight engineer, he flew 50 missions. His final rank was Staff Sergeant. While assigned to a base in Texas he met his future bride, Tex, at a church social. They were married in California before he shipped overseas.

Both sets of Shorty's grandparents homesteaded in the Hinotes corner area, so it made sense after the war to settle into life in rural Lynden. He went to work as a auto mechanic, ultimately a school bus mechanic, then transportation supervisor, while he and Tex raised five children. They enjoyed a life of farm living on the Hannegan until 1951 then the Pole Road until 1963. They lived in the Carnation, WA area from 1963 until 1972 before returning home to Lynden. During retirement they lived at Beachwood, on Lummi Island, and Lynden.

Shorty enjoyed fishing, square-dancing, board games, traveling and being involved in many volunteer ventures;as a volunteer firefighter, a boys home in Mexico, helping in the Dominican Republic, Lynden Community Church, the Gideon's, and many others . He was very proud of our country and his military service and was honest, hardworking and willing to serve others.

He was preceded in death by his parents Percy R. W. and Augusta (Genzel) Maneval, older brother Fred and sister Tillie, and his beloved bride of 69 years, Tex (Doris) E Gross.

He is survived by daughters Nancy (Jim) Herrick, Tricia (John) Fuller, Peggy (Bill) Grinnell, Barbara (Daniel) Cutts and son Richard (Andree) Maneval. Grandchildren Michelle (Daniel) Radonski, Jeff Baron (fiancé Megan), Jason Baron, Justin (Amy) Baron, Jared Baron (companion Kristina), Andrew Fuller (fiancé Sarah), Kim (Michael) Hendricks, Brenda Cooper, Ryan Jacobsen (fiancé Daphne), Lisa (Sean) Yunt, Joshua (Maggie) Pezzulo, Sarina (Tavis) Elliott, Rebecca Pezzullo, Carol (Erin) Andersen, Ross (Robyn) Herrick, Sharon (Geoff) Wilson. 21 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; and numerous cousins and nieces, and nephews.

A military honors graveside ceremony will be held at Greenwood Cemetary at 10:30 AM, May 19th, followed by the memorial service at Lynden Community Church at 1 PM with a reception following.

Memorials can be made to Lynden Community Church or The Gideons.

Memories

From Melanie Van Dr…

To Tex and Shorty's family: You have my deepest sympathy at the death of your father! Cynthia Eshuis Faber just sent me Shorty's obituary. I last saw your mom and dad 2 years ago when I came to WA to spend a week with old neighbors and family. I had heard that your folks were living where my dad Gordon lived before he died so I stopped by and they were home. I had the desk call them and when I got off the elevator at their floor they were both hanging out their apartment door, probably trying to see if they would recognize me after all those years. I certainly recognized them. I had a lovely visit with them, heard several stories from Shorty, heard about all the kids & grandkids, and was so glad I had stopped. Your mom wrote me at Christmas and said my visit was a highlight of their year and shortly after that I got the news from Cynthia that Tex had died. Back in our childhood, neighbors were very important and your folks still felt like family to me. Again, my sympathy! Blessings to you all. Melanie Van Dragt Vander Wal

May 13, 2014

From Peggy

Melanie, So nice to hear from you and being reminded of your visit with Mom and Dad, they loved having company! They did enjoy your visit and mentioned it often. I have fond memories of you and the hours we spent catching polliwogs and how your Mom always made me feel like one of her kids. Those were the days. We all appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Peggy Maneval Grinnell

May 16, 2014

From Nancy Herrick

We received many cards and comments for my Dad's life, friends who knew the family because of membership in the Wiser Lake Community Club. We would have picnics, etc and were like extended family. Comments, our Dad had integrity, a good neighbor and friend, thoughtful. Many friends knew they from Quartize, AZ where they would be snow birds. Playing cards. Square dancing, etc.
A neighbor wrote that when her husband was very sick, our Dad milked their cows and refused to be paid.
Another friend said "Shorty" could do more with fewer resources than anyone he knew.
Dad would take the van from Meadow Green Retirement home and is quoted as saying"On the Road Again".
He found good in everyone.

May 28, 2014

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