Retired judge Robert E. Manning, Jr., 81, of Peoria, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2013, peacefully at his residence with his family by his side.
He was born November 16, 1931, in Peoria to Robert E. and Catherine Irene (Gorman) Manning. He married Lois M. Wilson in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, on April 25, 1953. She died March 15, 2000. He married Rosemary Donnelly Crowley on March 24, 2001. She survives him.
Also surviving are seven children, Michael Manning of Dahlonega, GA, Lauren (Tom) Donlan of Aurora, IL, Linda Manning of Peoria, Angela (Dan) Aeschliman of Dunlap, Robert (Kristen) Manning, James Manning, and Paul (Katie) Manning all of Peoria; eighteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Also surviving are five step-children, Karen (Bob ) Metzinger of Dunlap, Debi (John) Redington of Dunlap, James (Gail) Crowley of Elmhurst, William III (Laura) Crowley of Peoria, and John (Chris) Crowley of Peoria, as well as, thirteen step-grandchildren and two great-step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Paul; and a sister, Sharon O’Shaughnessy.
A 1949 graduate of Spalding Institute, he captained the football, basketball, and baseball teams during his senior year. He was selected as an All-City quarterback in 1948. He attended the University of Notre Dame and lettered in varsity baseball. He graduated from Bradley University in 1953, where he also lettered in varsity baseball.