William Joseph Mannas

William "Bill" Joseph Mannas January 16, 1928 – June 14, 2025 William “Bill” Joseph Mannas passed away peacefully in Dallas, Texas, on June 14, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on January 16, 1928, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Bill was the beloved son of the late Walter Edward and Mary Effie Rose Mannas. During his childhood, Bill’s family moved frequently, ultimately settling in Alexandria, Louisiana, where he spent his high school years. A gifted student, he entered Texas A&M University at the age of 16 and graduated with degrees in both petroleum and mechanical engineering. Bill began his professional career in Chicago with the Pure Oil Company as a petroleum engineer. It was in Chicago where he met his first wife, Dolores Eileen Duffy, at a Catholic Youth Organization dance at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in 1950. After the passing of his father when he was 25, Bill remained especially close to his mother, ensuring she was an important part of his growing family's life. Much of Bill’s career was spent in Wichita Falls, Texas, working for the Kadane Oil Company. In 1975, he and his family moved to Dallas, where he would spend the remainder of his life. In 1981, he married his loving wife Rita Marie Mannas. Together, they shared a deep appreciation for history, world travel—including trips through Europe and China—and visits to Civil War sites and museums. Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished family adventures, whether camping, boating, or traveling. A lifelong learner and avid reader, he also enjoyed gardening, following the stock market, and keeping up with current events. He was known for his discipline, organization, and frugality—qualities shaped by growing up during the Great Depression. Bill is survived by his seven children: Carolyn Johnson (Douglas) of Adelphi, MD; David Mannas (Cynthia) of Durango, CO; MaryAnn Hill (Robert) of Denver, CO; Kenneth Mannas (Susan Dawson) of Austin, TX; Susan Brown of Tucson, AZ; Linda Maska (Christopher) of Austin, TX; and John Mannas (Sonbol) of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by four stepchildren: Chris Mahowald (Ann) of Dallas, TX; Dan Mahowald of Boulder, CO; Ward Mahowald (Deanna) of Dallas, TX; and Molly Gillard (PJ) of Allen, TX; as well as 24 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dolores Mannas, and his eldest son, Robert “Bobby” Mannas. Bill will be laid to rest at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.

William Joseph Mannas

January 16, 1928 - June 14, 2025