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.

While in college, he played collegiate summer leagues in Madison, Wisconsin; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Oshawa, Ontario. From 1953-1954, he played professional baseball for the Cleveland Indians and New York Giants organizations in Peoria (Peoria Chiefs), Tampa, FL, and Olean, NY.

He was a member of the 1946 National Champion Gipps Jr. All-Stars Fast Pitch Softball Team and a player and manager in the Peoria Sunday Morning League for several years.

He graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1960 and practiced law in Peoria from 1960-1977 with Harry Sonnemaker, Jr. He was Assistant States Attorney in Peoria County from 1960 to 1967 before being appointed States Attorney for a year in 1967-1968. In 1977, he was selected as an Associate Circuit Judge in the Tenth Circuit and selected as a Circuit Judge in 1980. He acted as Chief Judge of the Tenth Circuit from 1988 to 1991. He presided over many high-profile criminal cases in Peoria County. He retired in 1997.

He was a member of the Peoria County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, the American Judicature Society, Illinois Judges Association, Spalding and Peoria Notre Dame High School Booster Clubs, University of Notre Dame National Monogram Club, Notre Dame Club of Peoria, Bradley University Letterman and Chiefs Clubs, Landmark Racquet & Health Club, Knights of Columbus, Spalding Council, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #20.

He served on the finance committee and was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, where a funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 26, 2013. The Rev. James Pallardy and Msgr. Paul Showalter will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, July 25, 2013, at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. Entombment will be in Resurrection Mausoleum.

Memorials may be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church or St. Jude Runners, 4722 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, IL 61614.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.