McDONOUGH – Emmett “Ike” Manwarren, 88, long-time resident of McDonough, passed away late afternoon on Tuesday, March 29, 2011, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born late in February of 1923, in McDonough, Ike was the son of Lynn and Estella Sayles Manwarren Sr. Ike was raised from a very young age by his loving “Aunt May” and “Uncle Frank” Nightengale as their own. He attended the elementary school in McDonough, then high school in Oxford, where he was an outstanding wrestler. Ike grew up on the family farm in McDonough and never outgrew his love of farming or McDonough. He had many jobs in his lifetime, including TACO in Sherburne and Bennett Ireland in Norwich. But most of his employment was in all phases of building and road construction. His last job was as Highway Superintendent for the Town of McDonough. After his retirement in the late 1980’s, Ike enjoyed doing carpentry and making hope chests, shelves, and other furniture for his entire family, as well as helping with any building or repair projects at their homes. He was truly a fan of the “underdog” and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He and Thelma greatly enjoyed riding around in their car and stopping to eat whenever they felt like it.
On June 10, 1944, Ike married Jessie “Jean” Rounds who predeceased him in June of 1979. He is survived by his second wife of 32 years, Thelma Gale Conway Manwarren of Norwich; by his son, Clyde Manwarren and wife June of Norwich and daughter, Rhoda Parks of McDonough; and his brother, Lloyd Manwarren of Norwich. Also surviving are Ike’s grandchildren: Jennifer Howard, Chris Manwarren and wife Michelle, Dale Parks and wife Joan, Tammy Weaver and husband Harrison, and Tommy Parks; many great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Ike was predeceased by his sisters: Bernice Parker, Erma Manwarren, Emma Manwarren, and Pearl Thompson; and his brothers: Lynn Jr., Ernest “Pete,” Wilson, Francis, Russell, and Grover Manwarren.
Funeral services for Ike will be held at noon on Saturday from the First Baptist Church of Norwich. The Rev. Paul Hill will officiate. Interment will be in Union Cemetery of McDonough, at the convenience of Ike’s family. Friends are invited to call at the First Baptist Church on Sat. from 11 a.m. until the service at noon.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.