Danny Manley Obituary

Edmore- Danny Joe Manley (Dan), 59, of Elm Hall, passed away unexpectedly (from a suspected heart attack), in their home on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
Dan was born on October 12, 1965, at Gratiot Community Hospital in Alma, Michigan to Mary Elizabeth Manley (LaPaugh) and Danny Manley.
Dan graduated from Vestaburg High School in 1983. While there, he was active in the band, a member of the National Honor Society, and was also a bit of a prankster. Dan went on to graduate from Central Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in graphic arts / advertising and journalism in 1988. After graduation, Dan had transitioned through many jobs, some of which include: a photographer at the Greenville Daily News, pastry chef at the Soaring Eagle Casino, a manager at Fazoli's, multiple roles as a board member for the Fraternal Order of Eagles 4463, a radio station host, and a freelance photographer for the community. Although Dan had many different jobs, he consistently found a way to connect with the community, sharing a story and a smile with everyone he met.
Dan was most passionate while serving his community and he found a way to make that passion a career with Big Brothers, Big Sister (BBBS). Dan eventually became a director at BBBS and he continued to make a positive impact on the community through various outreach programs and fundraising events. Dan was able to use his vast connections in the community to bring people together and make a positive change for whatever cause he was working on. He carried over this enthusiasm to his latest role as a Community Resource Specialist in the Alma Office at Eightcap in the Housing and Homeless Services Department.
Dan's service to the community was not limited to his day job though, as he filled his free time as a board member for multiple organizations. Dan was involved in the Hope House Board, as well as the Gratiot County Planning Commission.
Dan continued to give back to the community by spreading his love of music through many venues and many instruments. He even brought this love of music to his coworkers, often heard strumming on a guitar or singing at his desk. Dan was active at local open mics and donated his time to perform at fundraisers. He loved to travel to different concerts to see live music, too.
Dan married Karen Avery, of Elm Hall, on September 10, 2011. From this marriage, Dan gained two kids that he loved as his own: Thomas and Kara Anderson. He loved being a dad and a grandpa to his two grand-dogs, Suki and Athena. Dan and Karen loved to travel together, whether for museums, live concerts, or sight-seeing new cities.
Dan is survived by his wife, Karen (Avery) Manley of Elm Hall; His kids Thomas (Ashley Rich) Anderson of Saline and Kara (Trayton Wimmer) Anderson of Tipton; his siblings, David Manley of Sumner, Cheryl (Thomas) VanHorn of Elwell, and Lynda (Amber) Orm of Atlanta, MI; his nieces and nephews and their families, Tonya Wrisley, Sarah Manley, Cassie Ewing, Heidi Wrisley, Jennifer Klotzer, Chris Wrisley, Keith Dast, Kevin Dast, and Katey Dast. He is also survived by many friends and extended family.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Mary Manley; his sister, Cinda Wrisley; and his Mother-in-law, Mary Avery.
Visitation and Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025; with visitation from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Funeral Service beginning promptly at 1 p.m. at Seville Community Church of God, 8360 W. Monroe Rd., Elwell, MI 48832.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions, either to the family to cover funeral expenses, to Big Brother Big Sisters of Gratiot County, or to Gratiot County Hope House. Any flowers being sent should be delivered to the Seville Community Church of God on Thursday, the address of which is above.
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