Colin Billings Manahan V Obituary (1928 - 2019)

Colin Billings Manahan V, 90, of Bloomington, passed away at 8:03 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Martin Health Center in Bloomington. A private family mass was held on Monday (January 21) at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Bloomington, with Monsignor Douglas Hennessy officiating. Military rites were accorded and interment was held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Corpus Christi Catholic School Library, Bloomington. To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com. He was born June 19, 1928 in Rockford, IL, son of Colin B. IV and Anne Buffo Manahan. He married Marlene K. Foley on June 23, 1951, and they celebrated 56 years of marriage. Colin adored his wife with unconditional love that was passed down to their children and spouses. Marlene preceded him in death on April 16, 2007. He was also preceded in death by his twin brother, Donald Frank Manahan. Surviving are five children, Vianne Kirchner of Bloomington, Melanie (Jim) Fleenor of Athens, Colin B. VI (Gail) Manahan of Bloomington, Celeste (John) Flanagan of Farmer City and Brian (Renee) Manahan of Peoria and ten grandchildren, Chad (Noelle) Kirchner, Blake (Kara) Kirchner, Erynn (Alex) Snedeker, Dan (Sara) Reynolds, Lauren (Andy) Owens, Colin B. VII (Kacie) Manahan, Johnson (Anastasia) Flanagan, Siarah Flanagan, Kathryn (Geoff) Ogden and Adam (Audra) Manahan. Also surviving are 12 great-grandchildren and one brother, Robert Manahan of Spring Valley. Colin dropped out of school after completing the 9th grade and proudly entered the military, serving in the United States Coast Guard at the end of World War II (1944-46). He graduated with his GED and then served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War (1951-55) before earning his Bachelor and Masters of Science degrees and completing PhD coursework. He taught geography and history for 13 years in District 87 Irving School and Bloomington Junior High School. For the next 27 years, Colin served as Bloomington High School's Director of School Activities, as well as Pep Club and Student Council Sponsor. He retired after 40 years of service as an educator in Bloomington District 87. After retiring, Colin taught at Heartland Community College for 10 years, and read books to elementary school children at Corpus Christi Catholic School for 12 years. Colin was a first generation college graduate. He and his wife strongly valued getting a college education, and were very proud of the fact that all five of their children and all 10 of their grandchildren were college graduates. This past fall, Colin was inducted into the Bloomington District 87 Hall of Fame. He was chosen for this award, and was honored with a recognition dinner, ceremony and plaque. He and his family were very proud of his accomplishment. The family extends a special thanks to Colin's loyal caregiver of 12 years, Kevin Caldwell, and the staff of Westminster Village, Martin Health Center, and OSF Hospice Eastern Region.