Thomas Manion III

MANION, Thomas III of Portage Passed away August 31, 2011 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born September 16, 1937 in Kalamazoo to the late Thomas and Rose Rastoskey Manion, Jr. He was united in marriage to Rosemary Crawford in July of 1960 for a loving 51 years together. Rosemary survives. Thomas served in the U.S. Navy until honorably discharged in August of 1961. He was employed with Schaffers Bakery for over 40 years until he retired. Among his hobbies were, playing cards with his brothers, working on cars and watching NASCAR racing. The most important thing in Thomas's life was being with his grandkids, whether at a sporting event, a recital or whatever they were involved in. He also looked forward to taking them with him on vacation. Also surviving Thomas are his children, Pamela Ralph Griffith of Portage, Rosie Mike Smith of Kalamazoo and Thomas Kim Manion, IV of Mattawan; 6 grandchildren, Ricky Smith, Amanda Smith, Monica Manion, Tommy Manion, V, Ryan Smith and Taylor Smith; 4 great grandchildren, Natalie, Ayla, Austin and Brianna; brothers, James Vivian Manion, Larry Manion, Sam Manion, David Manion and Ed Darla Manion; sister, Sandra Kay; and several nieces and nephews. Services will take place Saturday, 12:00 o'clock at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 East Centre Ave., where family will greet friends from 11-12:00 o'clock. Rev. Scott Oberle will officiate. A private interment will take place at Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association.