Darrell Manis

Life long resident of Texas City, Texas. Born to Bennie and Patricia Maly, on that glorious day (October 12, 1959) After his mother remarried, Darrell's step father, Joseph Manis, officially adopted him, and on that day, Darrell became a Manis. Darrell loved his Manis family with all his big heart, and enjoyed attending Manis family get togethers and visiting with his uncle Sonny and aunt Barbara, and all his cousins. Darrell learned his love of music early, watching and listening to his father, Joe, and uncles play music.
He carried this love throughout his entire life, and many nights were spent dancing on the back patio around the firepit, and at Diamond Jim's. He loved going fishing with his father, and spent many days at the dike and Moses Lake. Darrell had the biggest , kindest, loving, caring heart of anyone you would ever meet.

Darrell loved all his relatives, up north around Arlington and Comanche Texas . One of the biggest joys of his life was going to the Family Reunion each year, and would start getting excited about it in January, even though it wasn't until August! Darrell loved spending time with his cousins there, as they prepared BBQ for the reunion. Thank you Leon, Jed, and Sam for making Darrell feel so loved. Darrell loved playing 75 with all his relatives and saved his quarters for months. Darrell loved talking on the phone to his cousins, Leon, Jed, Sam, and Gary on an almost weekly basis, with a big smile on his face. He would almost always ask, "when you coming to see me?". They made Darrell feel so loved!

After Darrell's mom passed away in 2010, it left him with a broken heart for the remainder of his life. It was then that Darrell moved in with his brother "Bennie", who became his faithful caregiver, who strove to provide Darrell with best quality of life for him. Their family leaned heavily into the community, and because of welcoming love and support, he truly had a rich and fulfilling life!

Being Bennie's brother was the pride and joy of Darrell's life, and a great honor for his brother. Every morning, Darrell would get up and come into the room where Bennie was, and give him a Big Hug, followed by "brother, I love you". Darrell would repeat this several times a day. Whenever running into one of his many friends out in public (he knew everyone) Darrell always introduced them to Bennie, saying "This is my
brother" with a big smile on his face. Bennie's mornings will never be the same, and will miss Darrell's words and will carry them on for life.

After Darrell's nephew's death (John, Bennie's son), Darrell stepped up into the big brother role for his nephew, Brian. Darrell loved Brian with all his heart, and as always was concerned about his safety, health and well being.

Darrell loved riding his bicycle to Whataburger each morning, and having coffee and breakfast with his group of friends. He loved going with them to the fish spot, and Hartz Chicken, spending time talking and laughing. This was a big joy in his life! Thank you all for being part of his life!

Darrell loved bowling!! He would bowl two to three times a week. If he wasn't bowling, he would spend time visiting all his friends there. Darrell had such a great group of friends there, that loved him as much as he loved them! Thank you Daphanie for watching over him, and loving him! And thank you to all his friends there at the bowling alley!

Darrell also loved playing pool and dancing! He would spend most Fridays nights at Diamond Jim's, doing so, thank you Debbie, all the staff, and patrons at Diamond Jim's for making Darrell feel loved and accepted! Darrell also loved playing bingo and looked forward to each Sunday evening, with all his friends! Thank you all for being part of his life.

One of the biggest joy of Darrell's life, was his drawings!!! He loved drawing pictures and giving them to everyone he could! It made Darrell feel good about himself to share his drawings with everyone. Maybe Darrell can be an inspiration to you, to create something and share it with someone you love, even a quick doodle or post it note. His generous and loving spirit was one of the things that made Darrell so special. Darrell had the biggest, kindest, loving heart of anyone. He loved everyone, and made their day brighter.

Darrell loved swinging on the patio, burning wood in the fire pit and listening to country music! He enjoyed walking across the alley and spending time with Mitch, Jesse, and Jerry, talking, laughing, and sometimes burning wood in their fire pit. He loved talking with his neighbors over the fence, always concerned with how they were doing. He always had a smile and a "how are you" for all his friends. Darrell loved having morning coffee with his Jane, Jane! Always asking how her family was doing.

Darrell's life long friend Kris was his best buddy. They would always do things together, collect cans for scrap, go out to eat, ride around, go and visit family and friends. When Bennie couldn't, Kris would take him to the bowling alley, Whataburger, or where ever he needed to go. Darrell loved you, Kris.

Darrell was so appreciative, always telling his brother thank you for the simplest things, like, thank you for taking me to get my hair cut, thank you for taking me to the doctor, thank you for buying me my favorite cookies, thank you for taking me to the bowling alley, thank you for the hamburger, thank you for the fire pit tonight; almost always followed by "I LOVE YOU BROTHER".

Darrell took joy in the simple things. A dance, a bowling match, a pool game, eating a hamburger, a cup of coffee, a porch swing, a fire pit, or a bino game. He lived life to the fullest in all he did. He greeted people with a smile and a " how are you doing". Darrell genuinely cared about people!!

I think we all could be a little more like Darrell. Take pleasure in the simple things in your life and surroundings. Greet people with love and joy even if you are tired or had a long, hard day. Check on family and friends. Get out on the dance floor. Create something and share it. A simple doodle, or short post it note. You never know who's day you might brighten In honor, I hope you can carry all these things into your own life. Thank you Darrell for loving with all your heart, and spreading your joy to all during your time here!

MATHEW 5:8 " BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART, FOR THEY WILL SEE GOD"