Charles Manes

Charles “Chuck” L. Manes passed peacefully at home on March 21, 2020, at the age of 91. A celebration of his life will be held on November 23, 2020, at a private service for family and close friends, followed by a military ceremony. The youngest of nine children, Chuck was born in Deer, Arkansas, on April 27, 1928, to Maudie and Zede Manes. He spent his formative years in Arkansas, enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Forces at age 18 and serving his country in World War II, Korea, and Viet Nam. A decorated pilot, Chuck received eight distinguished Flying Crosses for picking up pilots behind enemy lines and under fire in Viet Nam. He also received NASA’s Medal for Exceptional Bravery in 1963 for his part in a rescue operation following an X-15 crash. Chuck and the five other pilots involved in the mission were the first recipients of this honor who were not astronauts. After 28 years in the Air Force, Chuck and his family settled in Black Canyon City, where he served the area as a volunteer EMT. A lifelong adventurer, he was a member of the Sun City RV Club attended Grace Bible Church and served for a period on the Black Canyon City Water Board. Chuck was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Betty, and grandson Toby Manes. He is survived by his second wife, Janet; sons Gene, Dennis and Robert Manes; grandchildren Geoffrey Manes, Travis Thorpe and Crystal [Manes?]; and stepchildren, Janet Jones, Kristen Murray, and Hal Bliss III. Chuck was kind-hearted and fun-loving, and easily made friends wherever he went. He will be dearly missed by his family and all who loved him.