Thomas “Burch” Manuel of Pocahontas, Arkansas, departed this life on Monday, March 18, 2024, at the age of 78. He was born July 7, 1945, in the Stegall Community of Newport, the son of Sylvia Lee “Tibb” and Delta Nora Mae (Fortner) Manuel.
Mr. Manuel married Miss Phyllis Helms on April 26, 1962, and together they spent 62 years. Mr. Manuel worked at Ford Motor Co. in Hazelwood, Missouri as a repairman in the plant until his retirement on May 1, 1997. He was of the Church of Christ belief.
Mr. Manuel enjoyed woodworking. He also loved spending time outdoors, hunting, and fishing. Mr. Manuel was always set in his ways, and it was his way or no way.
Mr. Manuel is preceded in death by his son, Timothy Manuel; one great-grandchild, infant McKaylee McGonigal; two brothers, Harold Chatman and Cledus Manuel; five sisters, Pauline Rogers, Alene Johnson, Raye Tubbs, Lois Carrick, and Phyllis Rudd.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis (Helms) Manuel, of the home; two sons, David Manuel and wife, Penni, of Tuckerman, and Charles Manuel of Newport; a daughter, Carolyn Louise McGonigal and husband, Tillman, of Tuckerman; nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, March 21, 2024, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Mr. Corey Williams and Bro. Brandon Gates officiating. The interment will be in Ballews Chapel Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Charlie Fears, Corey Williams, Jeremy Cohen, Garrett Broadaway, Scott Goble, and John Goble.
