Frank P. Manus passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2021, at the age of 90. He was born on August 17, 1930, to Leo and Irene (Fahey) Manus in Scottsburg, Indiana. At the age of four, Frank moved to Greensburg, Indiana with his parents and three older sisters, Margaret (Manus) Beagle, Geraldine (Manus) McKee, and Alice (Manus) Pfeifer.
Frank attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Greensburg High School in 1949. He excelled in high school football, played basketball and ran track. As a senior, Frank received the Victory Award, given to a student who exemplified courage, fairness, cooperation, loyalty, and other qualities of good school citizenship.
Frank lived life to the fullest and valued hard work. At the young age of 14, Frank delivered milk for Leo Hellmich. Frank then worked for Johnston Wholesale as a truck driver until he found his true passion as an insurance salesman for Woodman Accident and Life (now Assurity). Frank spent 56 years in the insurance business and took great pride in helping his clients. He won many awards as an insurance agent and as an agency manager for Woodman. He was still an active agent at the age of 90.
Frank married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Jean Reichart, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on June 17th, 1950. Frank and Barbara had two children, Daniel (Denise) Manus and Dianna (Drew) Graham, both of Greensburg. Frank and Barbara were blessed with five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Grandchildren ~ Stacie (Chris) Martin, Tricia (Chris) Stephens, Holly (Brandon) Upchurch, Katherine (Robin) Ross, and Michael (Brittany) Manus. Great Grandchildren ~ Loren and Grace Martin, Kole and Owen Stephens, Ellison and Asher Ross and Adalie Manus.
Frank was supportive of his wife’s business (named after her mother, Margaret Tremain Furniture, previously on Lincoln Street) which currently operates as Margaret Tremain Furniture Party Rentals.
In 1991, Frank was elected to serve a four-year term on the Greensburg City Council. Frank was then elected to serve Greensburg as Mayor for two terms (1995-1999) and (2004-2007). Frank genuinely loved Greensburg and the people in it! Frank will be remembered for his straightforward, “tell it like it is” personality. He was a hard worker, expected others to work hard too, and while sometimes brutally honest, he was dedicated to helping the residents of Greensburg and was proud to serve the city as Mayor. Frank was actively involved with the Decatur County Democrats and was recognized as Outstanding Decatur County Democrat in 2016.
Frank was a member of the Greensburg Country Club (Barbara taught him to play golf) and he enjoyed trips with his golfing buddies to Florida. Frank took pride in having a lush green lawn and even kept track of how many times his lawn was mowed. He enjoyed watching Westerns and the Cincinnati Reds on television, playing cards at the Greensburg Adult Center and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Most importantly, Frank had a deep love for his Catholic Faith. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus for more than 50 years. He served on the St. Mary’s Finance Board and faithfully attended Saturday evening mass until his health did not allow it.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife, mother, father and three sisters. Frank’s memory will be cherished by family, friends and his cats Butterscotch, Sparkles and Missy.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Frank’s life on Friday, June 4, 2021 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. A rosary will be prayed at 8:30 a.m., followed by a public visitation from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. and a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. In keeping with Saint Mary’s guidelines, facial coverings are required, and social distancing shall be maintained.
Memorial gifts may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, the Decatur County Animal Shelter or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Porter-Oliger-Pearson Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.popfuneralhome.com