John Washington Manuel

J.W. Melvin Manuel "Speck" was born March 17, 1933 in Stonewall, OK to Emory and Bonnie (Center) Manuel. He and his family moved to Ada where he spent most of his life. Melvin (Speck) went to work at a very young age as a butcher first for Wickham's Packing Company and for Reeves Packing Company which were both located in Ada. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War conflict.

He married Mary Joyce Johns on February 26, 1955 in Ada, OK. Together they spent time traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Family dinners and being with family was very important to Speck. He enjoyed playing golf with all of his buddies at Oak Hills Country Club. Many Saturdays were spent playing 18 holes and visiting with friends. He loved to play dominoes and horseshoes. He loved to dance and sing. Speck loved life. He passed away on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Ardmore OK Veteran's Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son-Brian Keith Manuel; one brother-Troy Wayne Manuel; and two sisters-Laverne McCarty and Barbara Herrin.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce, Gainesville, Texas, Children: Wendell and Sandra Manuel of Ada, OK; Kerry and Rebecca Manuel of Lone Grove, OK; Sherry and Burl Webb, Jr of Lone Grove, OK; Susan Smith of Ada, OK. seven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. His service will be 10 am on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Criswell Funeral Home in Ada, OK.