Troy Manuel

A gathering for family and friends of Troy Wayne Manuel, 74, of Roff, will be from 5:00 – 7:00 Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at Criswell Funeral Home.

Mr. Manuel passed away Saturday, May 8, 2021 at his home. He was born October 10, 1946 in Ada to Emory Oren and Bonnie Esther Center Manuel. He graduated from Latta High School.

He married Janice Octavia Floyd on August 18, 1967 in Ada. Mr. Manuel retired from Brockway Glass Company and later retired from the Oklahoma State Department of Transportation. He served in the National Guard.

Troy was an avid fisherman, golfer, card player, and anything that was Cowboy. He loved getting together with family and friends, especially if his grandchildren Rayce, Haley, Maggie, Treyl, Olivia, and Cooper were going to be there. He was a huge fan of Latta sports. And could be found most games sitting down the fence watching.

Troy's first love was always Rodeo and he was never more happy than going to a roping, especially if his boys were with him. Troy, Jan and the boys made many, many life long friends through team roping and rodeo. And they cherish each one and the fond memories that were made together.

Survivors include his wife Jan, of the home; two sons, Trever Manuel, Ada and Trey Manuel and wife Machelle, Bradford, OH; four grandchildren, Rayce Grigg, Haley Manuel, Maggie Manuel, and Treyl Manuel; a special niece and nephew, Olivia Cantrell and Cooper Hamilton; and a brother, Melvin Manuel and wife Joyce, Ardmore.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Laverne McCarty and Bobbie Herrin.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Latta Baseball Program, c/o Latta High School, 13925 CR 1560-A, Ada, OK 74820; or the Bradford Athletic Boosters Program, c/o Bradford High School, 750 Railroad Ave., Bradford, OH 45308.

I know you'll miss this man

by Baxter Black

The Lord spoke to the heavy hearts that stood with hats in hand

Your sadness pains me deeply and I know you'll miss this man

But, it's true what you've been hearing, Heaven is a real place.

That's no small consolation. You should use that fact to face the emptiness his parting left that seeps into your bones

And draw on it to ease your pain. For he is not alone.

You see, all his friends are up here and all his loved ones, too,

'Cause it wouldn't be a heaven without each one of you.

And heaven for a cowboy is just what you might expect,

It's horses that need tunin' up and heifers that need checked.

It's long rides with a purpose and a code that lights the way

And a satisfying reason to get up every day.

It's the ranch he's always dreamed of and never knew he'd find

And if you think about it, you can see it in your mind.

Him, leanin' in the saddle with his ol' hat on his head,

Contentment set upon his face like blankets on a bed.

The leather creaks a little as he shifts there in the seat.

The bit chains give a jingle when his pony switches feet.

And you somehow get the feelin' that he's sittin' on a throne

A'gazin' out on paradise just like it was his own.

I can promise you he's happy, though I know you can't pretend

you're glad he made the journey. It's too hard to comprehend.

The earthly way you look at things can never satisfy your lack of understanding for the answer to the 'Why?'

So, I offer this small comfort to put your grief to rest,

I only take the top hands 'cause my crew's the very best.

And I know it might seem selfish to friends and next of kin, but I needed one more cowboy and Troy fit right in."