Sheldon Manley

Sheldon R. Manley, 85, of Edna, Kansas passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Labette Health in Parsons, Kansas.

Sheldon was born July 21, 1937, in Edna, Kansas to Ray Ona and Edna May (Comstock) Manley.  Sheldon grew up in Edna, where he attended school graduating from Edna High School in 1955 and later took classes at Coffeyville Community College.

On November 28, 1957, at the Edna Methodist Church, Sheldon married the love of his life, Mary Blevins, making their home in Edna.  A little fun fact is that neither Sheldon nor Mary ever lived more than three miles from Edna their entire life.  Early in their marriage Sheldon worked for the Railroad until 1958 when he went to work for Coop Refinery now known as CVR Energy.  During his years at the refinery Sheldon worked in many different departments and retired from the refinery in 1999 with 41 years of service.  Sheldon was quite the jokester, always finding a way to create some fun.  Humor was his way of dealing with life.

Sheldon loved country life and was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, farming, raising cattle and horses.  At the time of his death, he had two mares that were to foal in the spring, and he was anxiously awaiting their arrival. In his younger years he enjoyed Rodeoing and bull riding.  Sheldon was best remembered as a Rodeo Clown, protecting contestants from the livestock and always enjoyed the clown reunions.  Sheldon’s children, Shelley, Scott and Shawn, have all inherited his love for the outdoors, rodeos, and his love of animals.

Sheldon was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Edna, and was very active in the community. He was an avid volunteer coach for the baseball and basketball middle school teams, and loved supporting his children and grandchildren in their activities. He was always their biggest fan.

With great love and admiration, his family that will forever cherish his memory are his wife, Mary of the home; children Shelley Ward, Scott Manley (Terri), Shawn Manley (Becca Linder); grandchildren Chase Ward, Colton Manley, Grayson Manley and great granddaughter Ryan, Taylor Manley, and Austin Manley; one great grandchild on the way; brother Darrel Manley (Norma); sister Bonnie Long; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and amazing friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

In memory of Sheldon’s generous heart, love for Rodeo and family that still actively participates in the PRCA, they are asking for contributions in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made to Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund or to the LEIB 4H. JCCF provides a need-based financial assistance to athletes injured through their participation in professional rodeo.  This is A HAND UP, NOT A HAND OUT.  Contributions may be left in care of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel.

Funeral services honoring Sheldon’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at 1pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas with Justin McKee and Bub Miller officiating.  Sheldon will be laid to rest at the Elm Grove Cemetery north of Edna, Kansas continuing his legacy of remaining just 3 miles from town.. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 26, 2022, from 6-8 at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel.  Services will be streamed live under his obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com where you may also leave an online condolence or share a memory with the family.