We have been invited by the family of William Manes, to attend his Final Service and Military Honors. It is our Honor and Privilege to do so.
Bill is a retired Naval Commander, serving from June 1956 through November 1974. During this time, earning the American Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Cuba), Vietnam Service Medal w/ 1 silver and 2 bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal.
Bill was born in Illinois and grew up on a farm. He enlisted into the Navy when he was only 17. During his time on board, he happened into the officers’ dining room and after seeing their meal, fine China, etc., he declared, “This is the Navy I want to be in.” So, they sponsored him for college and he became an officer. He earned his Master’s Degrees from Northwestern and then later, CSULB. He is a retired Naval Commander and had a second career as an Administrator at CSULB.
He has been extremely involved in VFW Post 9934 in Dana Point, and they will be present at the Vigil, Mass and Burial.
Bill was born and raised Catholic and went to a Catholic Boys’ Boarding School in MO. (Boys Town?) He studied for the priesthood but changed courses. He has a dry sense of humor and is a jokester. When he was younger, he enjoyed fishing. In more recent years, he and his wife traveled a bit and enjoyed cruising. He loved French Food!
He was widowed in 1998, when his first wife, Patricia died. He married Kathryn in 1999, so they have been married for 27 years. He and Kathryn met in the Military Officer’s Association.
He leaves behind his brother: Danny (and Karen), sisters: Sally, Tari and Judy, daughters: Lynette, Renee, Michelle and son: Bill Jr., 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Note: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested and all PGR members are welcome. We will be accompanying the Hero and his family from the church to the cemetery, (approx. 17 miles). Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. If you prefer to meet the procession at the cemetery, please feel free to do so.
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there, by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY 21 MAY 20261000 – Stage at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, California, 92629 (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GYbhtee67PjYX1zAA)
1030 – Mission Briefing
1110 – KSU to Ascension Cemetery, 24754 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest, Ca 92630 (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cjXdyBpXGR5YZGJs6)
1230 – Graveside Service and Final Military Honors (VFW Honor Guard)
Tom Barry
California State Captain
Patriot Guard
CASC@patriotguard.org
(714)206-1227
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
