Clifford Eugene Manis

CARBONDALE - Clifford Eugene Manis passed away Monday April 29th, 2019 on his 75th Birthday, in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale surrounded by loving family. Clifford was born on April 29th, 1944 in Carbondale to John and Lillian Vancil Manis.



He was a 1962 graduate of Carbondale Community High School and attended Southern Illinois University of Carbondale. In 1970 Clifford joined the Carbondale Fire Department serving six years as a Firefighter, eleven years as a Captain and five years as an Assistant Chief. He completed several fire training courses from the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute and the National Fire Academy including Management, Incident Command and Arson Investigation. In 1991 he attended the State Police Academy for Arson Investigation and was elected class President. He was a Sworn Peace Officer and State of Illinois Arson Investigator. In 1992 he was promoted to Fire Chief. He was instrumental in acquiring the Instructional Fire Safety House, Trench Rescue Equipment and the first Arson Canine for Carbondale. He also established the Regional Training Center in conjunction with the Illinois Fire Service Institute. He was Vice Chairman of the Jackson County Emergency Telephone System Board from 1995 to 1999. He was recognized for 28 years of service by the Coal Belt Fire Protective Association of Southern Illinois and recognized for his dedication by the State of Illinois, Office of the State Fire Marshal. He also served 20 years on the Firemen’s Pension Board. After his retirement as Fire Chief of the Carbondale Fire Department in 1998 he took a position with the State Fire Marshal’s office as a Petroleum Tank Specialist. He retired from the State Fire Marshal’s office in 2008. He also coached little league baseball and was an active member of the Carbondale Junior Sports where he served on the board and a year as president.



On January 11, 1974 he married the love of his life Nancy who survives. He is also survived by his children; Son’s, Thomas (Heather) Manis, DeSoto; Michael Manis, Makanda; Daughter, Julie Sims (Jeff Davis), Murphysboro; Stepdaughter, Francine (Jay) Helton, Jackson Missouri; Grandchildren, David Sims, (Janell Troutt) Christopher; Kristen Seed (James), Murphysboro; Step Grandchildren, Samantha Ralston, DeSoto; Christopher Farris, Concord California; Abigail Farris, Jackson Missouri; Jericka Helton, Jackson Missouri; Great Grandchildren, Kaylee, Myah, Jay and Jackson Murphysboro; Brothers, John Manis, Makanda; Gerald (Alice) Manis, Carterville; Sister in-law, Loretta Manis, Elkville; Brother in-law and Sister in-law, Robert and Yolanda Myers, Royalton; plus many nieces and nephews.



He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Raymond Manis, Glenn Allen Manis and James Manis; Sister Marjorie Richardson and brother-in-law Frank Richardson.



Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday May 5th, 2019 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with a firefighter walk through at 4:30 PM. An honor guard vigil will be provided by Carbondale Firefighters. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday May 6th at the funeral home with nephews, Pastors Stanley and Jake Richardson officiating. A firefighter walk through will be held prior to the start of the funeral service. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Carbondale.



In lieu of flowers the family requests donations for research be made to the Southern Illinois Parkinson’s Support Group, P. O. Box 266; Carbondale, Illinois 62903. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the funeral home.



To leave a story or memory of Clifford visit www.meredithfh.com