Louis Manly

Louis Frank Manly, son of Lawrence Beatty Manly and Eva Lovetta Milner Manly was born September 2, 1929 in Red Oak, Iowa.

He left this world to go to his eternal home on Thursday, May 28th 2026 at the age of 96 years, 8 months, and 26 days.

Louis graduated from Stennett High School In 1947. He was employed as a farm hand in the area until enlisting in the U.S. Marines from 1952-1954. He was stationed in Korea during the Korean War.

In 1952, he married Helen Loving. They divorced while he was overseas. He later married Frances Butler. She preceded him in death in 1979. In1981, he married Helen Keefe. She preceded him in death in1997.

Upon returning back to the States, after his time in Korea, Louis went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where he was employed from 1966-1991.

He and Helen lived in several areas in Lake of the Ozarks. After Louis retired from the telephone company, they spent several years managing resorts in that area. They later moved to Mason City, where Joni, Tim, and Nathan were residing. They remained there until Helen’s death in 1997. Louis then moved to Corning to be closer to Maria and Nick and their families. It was here that he met and married Nanette. Corning then became his home.

Louis’s hobbies included fishing, ballroom dancing, races at the Adams County Speedway, dining out and attending shows at the Opera House. He was a collector and especially liked western and John Wayne memorabilia.

Louis was a gentleman, an all -around nice guy. Everyone who met him liked him right away. His pleasant disposition made him a joy to be around. The caregivers in recent years always noticed this about Louis. He made their job enjoyable due to his peaceful demeanor.

When he became step-dad to Arthur, Maria, Nick, and Joni, he embraced being a 2nd father to all the kids. He loved his grandchildren. They were the apple of his eye. From the days of taking Tanner, Nicole, Nathan, and Matt to the waterparks (Louis right there with them going down the waterslides), fishing, and playing board games, to attending “date nights” with Darien, Chloe, and Roman that included dinner out and a show at the Opera House. Louis was a grandpa who loved spending time with his grandkids.

The highlight of Louis’s life happened last year in May 2025, when he met his daughter Pam for the first time. This reunion of Father and Daughter was nothing short of a miracle and was surrounded by love and joy and a series of events that only God could orchestrate.

Louis was preceded in death by his dad, Lawrence in1973, mom, Eva in 1982, sister, Lovetta McClendon in 2010, grandson, Joshua Keefe in 1983 and grandson Nathan Keefe in 2001.

Left to cherish Louis’s memory is daughter Pam (Tom) Mertes of York, Pennsylvania, step-daughter-in-law Jan Keefe of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, step-daughter Maria (Chuck) Lund of Corning, step-son Nick (Sherry) Keefe of Corning and step-daughter Joni (Tim) Birdsall of Corning.

Grandsons, Brent (Kim) Mertes, Tanner (Brittina) Lund, Matt (Becky) Keefe and Roman Keefe. Granddaughters, Tiffany Mertes, Nicole (Charles) Moon, Darien (Brandon) Robison, and Chloe (David) Thompson.

11 great grandchildren and 2 great -great grandchildren are also in his legacy.

Louis also left behind 2 of his very special caregivers, Melodie Oliver and Dallas Tacner. He had an amazing team of caregivers working round the clock to make his wish to remain in his home come true.

Louis was loved my many and will be missed by many.

Services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Corning Opera House.