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Obit For Charles D. Manley
Headline SEVERAL HUNDRED ATTEND MANLEY FUNERAL FRIDAY AGED BOOSTER HAD MANY FRIENDS THRUOUT SOUTH-WEST MISSOURI
Text Funeral services for the last Charles D. Manley, who died in his office in Cassville, last Wednesday afternoon, were held at the Community Building in this city Friday afternoon and was one of the largest funeral’s held here in many years.

Services were in charge of by Rev. Patrick of the Cassville Christian Church and Rev. Dillion of the Methodist church, of which the deceased was a member. Not for some years has such a gathering of splendid citizenship been in our city for such an occasion, to pay their last love and respect to man whose every thought was to do something that would progress his city, county and state.

Charles D. Manley was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Manley, old time citizens of this city and county. He was born at Hackett City, Ark., Feb. 2, 1862 and was 70 years and 12 days old at the time of his passing. When he was a mere babe his excellent mother carried home on horseback, as they traveled from their Arkansas home to East St. Louis, Illinois. They passed through Cassville on their trip and camped over night in a sheep shed near Washburn, at which time one of Mrs. Manley’s horses were stolen.

Mr. Manley was married to Belle Goodnight on December 24th, 1884. Three children were born to this union, 2 sons and one daughter who are: Lennie Manley Monett, and Miss Elaine Manley of Tulsa, Okla. Another son preceded his father in death several years ago.

Mr. Manley came to Cassville in the year of 1886, where he engaged in the insurance and real estate business with his father whom he succeeded in the business at this death, many years ago. He served Barry county as clerk of the county court two terms from 1902 to 1910. He had also served the City of Cassville as Mayor several terms and was a most progressive official.

“The Old Wagon” as he was called by his many friends, was one of the biggest hearted men in this county. Never did he turn a deaf ear to pleas of the hungry or needy. His purse was always open in a big way to any who were in distress or for any other community enterprise or progress. Never did he falter in his efforts to progress his city, county and state. An unselfish worker in every way and it was largely through his untiring efforts that Barry county enjoys such excellent highway facilities as it has today.

His activities were not confined to any one community, but to all alike, just so the attempted project was in his county or state. “ The Old Wagon” was a man who had many friends, and very few enemies; any man who has taken important parts in public life for the many years as this great booster, could not maintain the friendship of all; but at that, those who would be classed as his enemies, admired him, and have often been heard to so state.

The night was never too stormy or dark but that he gladly and willingly responded to the sick and distressed.

In speaking of this prominent citizen, the Springfield Press, in a recent issue, said - "Down at Cassville business men of the town refer to Charles D. Manley as “The Wagon,” because he carries the burdens of the community. If there is a fund to be raised or committee to be organized, they call on “Wagon” and although some of the roads have been exceptionally rough he has never failed to deliver. He has done more to advertise Cassville and Barry county that any other citizen. His hobby is collecting photographs of important gatherings and historic events. These pictures he used for advertising purpose."

Charley Manley was a member of the Methodist church, the Masonic Lodge, W. O. W., and M. W. A. lodge. During the several years he served as president of the Cassville Commercial Club, he worked day and night for his town and county and many splendid ideas were originated through his brilliant mind which meant much to our city and county.

Mr. Manley was with W. H. (Coin) Harvey when the Ozark Trail was routed from St. Louis to Las Vegas, N. M., in 1916. On this trip members of the routing party paid their own expenses and blazed the trail for a good roads program in the middle west. Mr. Manley said highway 66 now follows a large portion of the original route.

A quartette composed of Mrs. John Ray, Miss Pauline Hisey, Clinton Blythe and J.W. Hisey, rendered beautiful music at the service. A solo, “ A Perfect Day, “ was sung by Mrs. John Ray, accompanied by Mrs. Troy Wilson at the piano.

Many beautiful floral emblems were received by the bereaved family from friends and admirers at home and afar as an expression of the high esteem in which this strong character was held.

Interment was made the Oak Hill cemetery at Cassville, under direction of the Horine-Culver Funeral Service. Masonic services were given at the grave.

“The Old Wagon,” the friend and counselor has passed on, but his life and influence will keep living many ages.

The Democrat joins the many friends of the grief stricken family in extending sincere sympathy to them in their sad hour of bereavement.
Mayor Wilks issued the following proclamation:

Mayor Proclamation - Our highly esteemed and dearly beloved fellow townsman, Charles D. Manley having departed this life, March 9, 1932, and whose body will laid to rest after funeral services, which will be held at 2:00 in Community Hall building, March 11 as mayor of the city of Cassville, in which official position the deceased has served his people three terms so efficiently and honorably, I hereby request all business and professional houses be closed from 2:00 o’clock until 3:30 p. m., thereby expressing not only our last token of respect for the services he so unselfishly has rendered to the whole citizenship of our city, county and state, but in addition show to the members of his family our sympathy for each of them in their great loss.

Done at office in City Hall, this 10th day of March, 1932.
Newspaper or Funeral Home Cassville Democrat
Date March 24, 1932
Death Cert Link Death Certificate
Resource Newspaper
Submitted by Barbara Erwin