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Paul Edward Manna, born in Sealy, Texas on November 17, 1932 to parents Arnold and Rosa (Ognoskie) Manna, passed away peacefully at age 90 on March 15, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. Paul grew up in Bay City, where his dad, a welder, started the company, Manna's Precast Concrete. Paul worked in the family business until graduating high school, then left to attend St. Mary's University in San Antonio where he graduated with a BBA degree. As a distinguished military graduate, he received a Regular Army commission and entered military service in 1955 at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, and was immediately transferred to Ft. Bliss, El Paso, TX to attend Officer Training and Air Defense Missile School SAM III. While at Ft. Bliss, Paul met his future wife, Donna Kaye Gruenewaldt, whose father was also stationed there. They married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1958, and started their family a year later. After 17 moves, two deployments to Korea, and serving in the Vietnam War, they made San Antonio their final home in 1974. From 1st Lieutenant to Lieutenant Colonel, Paul’s military service spanned more than 24 years before retiring in 1978. He was stationed in Ft. Bliss (TX), Ft. Sill (OK), Mannheim and Schweinfurt (Germany), Ft. Devens (MA), Selfridge AFB (MI), Redstone Arsenal (AL), and lastly Camp Bullis in San Antonio. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge and received medals for Army Commendation with the Double Oak Leaf, National Defense Service, Bronze Star, Vietnam Service, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Meritorious Service with Oak Leaf and Legion of Merit. A few years into military retirement, Paul entered the civilian workforce, joining Stanley Smith Security as area manager of San Antonio, then Alamo Savings & Loan Association as administrative area security officer, followed by the Elm Creek Homeowners Association as Vice-President and General Manager. When the latter position dissolved in 1988, he thought he would retire for good; however, he was recruited by USAA in 1991 and worked for five years as the Buying Services Warehouse Manager before retiring once and for all. While in Alabama, Paul purchased a ski boat, which he affectionately named the Miss Donna Kaye. Over two decades, the family and friends enjoyed weekend outings at the lake with countless hours of water skiing and cruising the waters. During retirement, Paul established a voluntary homeowners association for his neighborhood in 2004 and served as President for many years. He built a strong bond within the community and addressed and resolved dozens of zoning issues and code compliance concerns. Paul also enjoyed spending more leisure time on his hobbies – golf, woodworking, and model trains, doting on his grandchildren, and traveling near and far on numerous adventures with Donna and the family. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Lawrence Manna, his sister Frances Combs, and his beloved wife of 60 years, Donna. He is survived by his son, Phillip Manna (Kathy); daughters Sharon Fajkus (Don), Cindy Hacker (George), Barbara Haines (John) and Michelle Kelman (Forrest); grandchildren: Amanda, Megan, Allison, Allen, Daniel, Corey, and Jessica; his brothers, George Manna (Barbara) and James Manna (Patty), both of Bay City; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to his team of doctors, specialists, caregivers, and the Methodist Hospital - Medical Center for their care over many years. Visitation: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, April 3, 2023 at Mission Park North Funeral Chapel (3401 Cherry Ridge) Funeral Mass: 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at St. Matthew Catholic Church (10703 Wurzbach Road). Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with Full Army Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul’s honor to: Paralyzed Veterans of America, San Antonio Food Bank, or Texas Parks and Wildlife. The family invites you to wear blue (Paul’s favorite color) or a Spurs or Cowboys shirt if attending the visitation, and a Hawaiian shirt/dress if attending the funeral mass.

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Lt. Col. Paul Edward Manna (US Army, Ret.)

November 17, 1932 - March 15, 2023