Don Ricardo Manning, Sr. was born on January 16, 1959, in Fairfield, Texas, to Mary Gatson
Manning and the late Lenard J. Manning. To this union, he was the eldest of four children.
He was raised in Fairfield, Texas, where he attended Fairfield High School. Known affectionately as
"Big Don," his commanding presence and athletic ability made him stand out among his peers. His
talent on the basketball court earned him a scholarship to Stephen F. Austin State University in
Nacogdoches, Texas.

Supt. Don R. Manning, Sr. accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at Tucker C.O.G.I.C. in 1986 and
answered his call to ministry at Hemphill Temple C.O.G.I.C. in 1995 under the tutelage of his father
the late Supt. Lenard J. Manning and the late Bishop J. Neaul Haynes. He faithfully served as
Assistant Pastor before being appointed as Pastor of The Salvation Lighthouse on April 12, 2016.
He was well known for his love of gospel music, especially his favorite songs, "My Soul's Been
Anchored," "Jesus Paid It All," and "I Am a Living Testimony." His favorite scripture was Psalm
91, and he often encouraged others with the words, "And it came to pass…"
He began his professional career at Tyler Pipe and later worked for Nucor Steel in Jewett, Texas,
where he faithfully served until his retirement. He was a man who valued church, community, and
strong family ties, and he supported people from all walks of life.

On April 12, 1985, he married Tina C. Green. Their union was blessed with four children. He was
previously married to Shirley Spikes, and from that union, two sons were born.

On April 19, 2026, in Tyler, Texas, surrounded by his loving family, Supt. Don R. Manning, Sr.
transitioned peacefully from this life.

He was preceded in death by his father, Supt. Lenard J. Manning; his daughter, Demica Manning;
his brother, Roy Lester Whitfield; his mother-in-law, Mary Warren; and his brother-in-law,
Anthony Green.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Tina C. Manning of Oakwood, Texas; his mother,
Mary Manning of Oakwood, Texas; his sons, Brandon Manning of Farmers Branch, Texas, Braylon
Manning of Fairfield, Texas, Don Manning, Jr. of Oakwood, Texas, and Alfraid (Arielle) Manning
IV of Leander, Texas; his daughter, Candace (Shannon) Thomas of Tyler, Texas; his goddaughter,
Jasmine Washington of Fairfield, Texas; his brothers, Richie (Dianne) Manning of Fairfield, Texas
and Bobby (Stephanie) Burns of Teague, Texas; his sisters, Doetta (Donald) Gillian of Fairfield,
Texas and Evetta (Donald) Mickins of Oakwood, Texas; his grandchildren, Alaya, Jaylon,
Michael, KaDarrion, Laila, Tiylon, Akayla, Brooke, Chaya, and Alfraid V; along with a host of
nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and dear friends.