Bernard Michael Mcmanaman

Bernard Michael McManaman of Emporia died on Friday, May 20, 2022 at the University of Kansas St. Francis Campus in Topeka.  He was 89.

Bernie was born on November 15, 1932 in Spalding, NE the son of Patrick Henry and Rose Lawless McManaman.  He was first generation Irish American on both sides of his family.  He was raised on the family farm west of town.

He married LaVon Howe on January 27, 1962 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, NE.  When Bernie asked LaVon’s dad for his daughter’s hand in marriage, he was told he had to have all of her.  They celebrated 60 years of wedded bliss this year.  They enjoyed traveling around the country visiting family.  Rarely, would you see one without the other.

Surviving family members include: wife, LaVon McManaman; children, Becca Hennessey of Pasadena, MD, Larry (Mandy) McManaman of Emporia, Bill (Kirby Fell) McManaman of San Diego, CA, and Alicia (Steve Shortt) McManaman of Seminole, FL; grandchildren, Sam Johnson, Emma McManaman, Trevor (Molly) Hennessey, and Sara Hennessey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Joseph McManaman; sister, Eleanor Jones; and son-in-law, James Hennessey.

Bernie had 53 years of sobriety and was active in local and state Alcoholics Anonymous.

Bernie was an Alcohol and Drug Counselor for Valley Hope in Norton and Atchison from 1974 to 1997.  Many patients remember him fondly as S weet O ld B ernie.  He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 and was a member of Ball-McColm Post #5 American Legion.  Bernie was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Emporia.

The rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm Wednesday night May 25th with visitation following until 8:00 pm at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, Emporia.  Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 am Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Emporia (casual dress).  Bernie will be cremated, so a graveside service will occur at a later date at the St. Michael’s Calvary Cemetery in Spalding, NE.  Memorial contributions to Valley Hope or Alcoholics Anonymous can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.  To livestream the service please follow the link https://youtu.be/2znZahAbEMQ