Robert Lee Manns

Robert Lee Manns, 89, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2021 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Robert was born March 17, 1932 in Poplar Bluff to Fred and Geneva (Montgomery) Manns.  He and Olline Walker were married October 16, 1953 at First Baptist Church in Kennett, Missouri. She passed away February 12, 2014.

Robert was inducted into the United States Army National Guard on March 23, 1949 and was honorably discharged April 15, 1983 as Lt. Colonel.

He was a member of New Home General Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff.

Robert attended both Southeast Missouri State University and Arkansas State University. He received his Master’s in Education from Southeast Missouri State and went on the take the position of principal for several schools in southeast Missouri. Robert was involved in building several buildings and bridges while he was a part of the Corp of Engineers. He was Butler County Commissioner for several years.

Robert was a member of the local Kiwanis, a Mason, a member of the Historical Society, and a Boy Scout leader for many years.

Robert is survived by three children, Robert Manns of Poplar Bluff, Brenda Thiele of Cape Girardeau and Leigh Metcalf of Bartlett, Tennessee; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 14, 2021 from 10 AM until time of service at Willow Ridge Funeral and Cremation Center.  Funeral service will be held at 11 AM at the Willow Ridge Chapel with the Rev. Calvin Buhler officiating. Burial will follow in the Brown’s Chapel Cemetery in Broseley.