Leo Joseph McManaman
TORRINGTON, WYOMING - Funeral Mass of Christian Burial for LEO JOSEPH MCMANAMAN, 86, will be held at 10am Thursday, November 13, 2014 at Saint Rose Catholic Church with Father Ray Moss officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Valley View Cemetery. Leo died November 7, 2014 at the West Nebraska Veteran's Home in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. A Rosary/Wake service will be held at 6 pm at the Colyer Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. Memorials may be given to the Prairie Center Volunteer Fire District in care of the First State Bank, 1410 E. Valley Road, Torrington. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3 pm through the rosary. Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home and friends may send condolences to the family at www.colyerfuneralhome.com.
Leo was born October 25, 1928 in Lincoln, Nebraska the son of Leona (Rooney) and Joseph McManaman. The family moved to the Rooney homestead, which had been homesteaded by Leo's great-grandfather and grandfather in 1913. Leo began his education in the community schools of Midway and Burge. He graduated from Torrington High School in 1946 and then ranched and worked for the Continental Bulk Plant. In 1950 he served his country in the Korean Conflict in Company E 180th Infantry Regiment-45th division being discharged as a Sargent in 1952. In 1956 he married Simontha Flores of Huntley, Wyoming to which a son, Michael was born in 1960. He purchased the Conoco Plant and managed it as well as ranching. The plant was sold and he devoted his life to ranching on the homestead.
Leo enjoyed people and had a great sense of humor. He had a keen sense of mechanics and was quick to help fix vehicles and machinery for neighbors in distress. He loved his community and worked hard with others in the installation of electrical and phone lines, as well as helping establish a volunteer fire department for the community. He served on the USDA Board being on the ASC and FSA boards for over a decade. He dedicated himself to improvements for his community, one being a water well and irrigation rights for the area. He was one of the first members in the American Legion Post in Van Tassell, Wyoming and was affiliated with Torrington American Legion, the VFW, DAV, and VA. He was a member of Saint Rose Parish where he served a term on the Parish Council Board.
Leo is survived by his wife Simontha "Smoky" of Torrington, Wyoming; son Michael (Doneen) McManaman of Torrington; five grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; a sister Martina McManaman of Longmont, Colorado; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Kathryn; and a niece Suzie.