Earl “Wayne” Manley, Jr passed away on July 14, 2024 at the age of 63 in Springfield, Missouri after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Wayne proved himself to be a fighter and strong-willed until the end.

He was born to Earl “Wayne” and Lois Manley on August 16, 1960 in Wichita, KS. Wayne moved with his family to Springfield, MO in 1965. He graduated from Hilcrest High School in 1978. Wayne began working for St. John’s Hospital at 16 years old in the kitchen. He was a dedicated, hard worker with a love to tinker and fix things. Wayne pursued a job at Springfield Public School as a custodian where he worked for 18 years before spending the rest of his career at Mercy. Wayne worked for Mercy Clinic Maintenance for 20 years before retiring in December 2022.

In 1980, Wayne welcomed his first son, Eric. He later married Kathy March 5, 1994, where he gained another son, Nathan. Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Manley, and his son, Nathan Cheyenne Manley. Wayne is survived by his wife, Kathy; his mother, Lois; son, Eric and wife, Heather; grandson, Mason; brother Alan and wife Cheryl; sister Lisa and husband Troy; brother Scott and wife Darla and many loving aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Wayne loved his collections. He started his comic book and baseball card collection as a young child, which continued into adulthood. He enjoyed fishing, listening to music, eagles, flea markets, and auctions. If he found a good deal, but it needed a little fixing up, he wouldn’t pass it up. Wayne was also very meticulous and liked things organized. In fact, he often times would reorganize his garage multiple times a year, a trait he passed on to his son, Eric.

Visitation will be Monday July 22, 2024 @ 9 am at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Funeral services will commence @ 10 am with graveside services to follow at Robberson Prairie Cemetery. Donations in memory of Wayne can be made to American Cancer Society. Arrangements are respectfully under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North,