March 21, 1930 – April 1, 2013

VIDALIA — Services for Howard McManus, 83, of Pollock, La., who died Monday, April 1, 2013, in Pollock, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Vidalia First Baptist Church with the Rev. Glen Nace and the Rev. Paul Roberts officiating.

Burial will follow at Crowville Masonic Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home in Ferriday and from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday at the church.

Mr. McManus was born March 21, 1930, in Crowville, the son of Ray and Gladys Ward McManus. He was a rig operator and a member of Kokomo Baptist Church.

Howard was well known as a practical joker and fun-loving person. His family wasn’t surprised by the ultimate joke of his passing on April Fools Day. He fooled all by going to see Jesus this day of all days. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren were always being asked half-jokingly and half-seriously about bringing him fish or game of all kinds.

Mr. McManus was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Allen Dale McManus; and two brothers, Earl McManus and Jerry McManus.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Lucille Jenkins McManus; one son, James Ray McManus and wife, Cheryl, of Pollock; three daughters, Theresa Martin and husband, Danny, Melissa Ann Williams, all of Vidalia, and Vicki Lynne Roberts and husband, Billy, of Pollock; two brothers, Royce McManus of Kokomo and Lonnie McManus of Winnsboro; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Daniel Martin, James Earl McManus, Jamie Dale McManus, Kris McManus, Paul Roberts, Hunter Williams, Hayden Nunnery and Chris Givens.

Honorary pallbearers will be Andy Andrews, Charles Hays, Travis Taylor, Robert Smith and Michael Williams.

Online condolences may be sent to www.youngsfh.com.