Dallas "Sonny" James Manning, was born to Minnie Maude (Darlington) Manning and Winfred Montgomery Manning on Thursday, May 6th, 1937 in Pineville, West Virginia.  He departed this earthly life on Thursday, October 29th, 2020 in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 83 years, 5 months and 23 days.

Dallas was lovingly given the nickname "Sonny Boy" by his mother Minnie when he was just a boy.  Over the years it was shortened, but all of his family lovingly called him "Sonny" until the end.  Dallas was saved at an early age in West Virginia and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mansfield, Missouri.

Dallas graduated from Pineville High School, in Pineville West Virginia in 1954.  He then joined the United States Air Force to serve his country for four years.  He spent one of those years on an Air Force Base in South Korea and he shared several stories from his time there.

Once home from the Air Force, Dallas brought his brother Buddy to St. Louis, Missouri to seek out a job.  Dallas had not planned on staying in St. Louis, having already committed himself to college.  However, due to a twist of fate, he decided to take a job, and made the move to St. Louis in 1958.

The reason for the change of fate was a chance meeting with the love of his life, Juaneta Faye (Barnes) Manning.  When they met, it was love at first sight, and he wanted to stay in St. Louis to pursue a courtship with her.  They married on July 22nd, 1961 at Juaneta's parents house, in Juaneta's hometown of Summersville, MO.  Dallas and Juaneta joyfully welcomed a son, Jeffrey Gale Manning, on September 18th 1965.  Dallas and Juaneta were married for 59 years.

Dallas brought to the marriage a daughter, Debbie (Larry) Burns, of Springfield, Missouri.

Shortly after Dallas and Juaneta were married, Dallas took a job as a telecommunications worker for Southwestern Bell/AT&T where he worked until 1997, when he retired after 36 years of service for the company.

In 1973 Dallas and Juaneta decided to move their family to Springfield, Missouri in search of a better life.  Dallas wanted his family to be in a less suburban area which was closer to many beautiful lakes.  Dallas loved being close enough to the lakes to take his boat out on a whim, where he enjoyed fishing for bass and crappie.  Dallas also loved sharing his love of the lake with those close to him.  Dallas and Juaneta bought a cabin on Table Rock Lake and were always welcoming of family and friends to visit and enjoy the "Lake Life".  He was also very generous with his bounty of fresh caught fish, and frequently gave it away to family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey, his parents, Winfred and Minnie, his four brothers, Dolan, Bill, Keith, and Buddy, and his only sister, Jerry.

Dallas is survived by his loving wife, Juaneta, his daughter, Debbie, two grandsons, three great-grandsons, one great granddaughter, nieces and nephews.

Fly high sweet Sonny Boy, you are with the angels now.

A visitation will be held from 1-2 PM on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte, 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, MO 65804, with funeral services to follow at 2 PM. Full military honors will take place immediately following services. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Ozark Food Harvest, 2810 N. Cedarbrook Ave., Springfield, MO 65803. Online condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com