Charles Olivier Manuel

Charles Olivier Manuel, my husband, our dad, papa, mentor, and friend was born to Eiton and Hazel Manuel in Kinder, Louisiana, on August 11, 1955. The angels came for him in the early morning hours of May 12, 2023. Death was a result of heart failure. Charles grew up on a rice farm and went to school in Elton. He attended Louisiana College in Alexandria, Louisiana. Charles accepted Jesus as his Savior in his early 20’s while listening to the song “Victory in Jesus” during a revival in a Baptist church. Jesus became his best friend and guiding compass. He was introduced to the Mennonites while working at the hospital in DeRidder and was welcomed into the Litwiller family. He joined the Church of God in Christ Mennonite in August 1979. On the day of his baptism, he saw Virginia Mae Koehn for the first time. God told him, “She will be your wife someday”. They were married on June 29, 1980. Three children and five heart sons joined their hospitable home. His son Josh’s death on July 25, 2000, at the age of 17, left him broken and with a special empathy for those who are hurting. For 21 years, he taught at Whispering Pines Christian School, bonding with his students, many who became his life-long friends. He then managed Buggy Bath Carwash and worked there until his death. The young men he worked with found it easy to confide and trust in him as a father- figure and friend. He was a master at loving and listening without judgment. His years on the Curriculum Committee and editing various church publications were fulfilling to him. Our childhood summers were filled with camping trips and friends. He loved his grandchildren and showed that by taking them on little outings and buying them trinkets and special things he had picked out for them. Dad and Mom often browsed local flea markets. Shopping was one of his hobbies that benefited all of us. Dad was authentic, often defying normal to be real. He was our rock. When we went to him with a problem we would leave with practical, sound advice. Perceiving someone was in a struggle, he would let them know he was praying. His greatest fulfillment was in heart-to-heart talks about the things that really mattered, genuinely caring about his close friends and their frequent visits. Speaking the truth, even when it hurt, was his specialty. He kept people’s confidence and believed in people even when they didn’t believe in themselves. In a discussion he would often take the opposite side, enjoying the debate, then end the discussion with, “I feel the same way you do”. When Dad’s ministering heart gained its wings a huge hole remained. Ten years ago, dad spent three months in the hospital following an infection and his health was never the same. His ailing physical body was a real and daily struggle, and in the past three months he frequently said, “I want to go Home”. His faith and trust in God and his support group enabled him to endure the tough times and continue the fight. Dad and Mom were a team battling his disease until his final hour. We witnessed a deep settledness in Dad the last few years and he told how the song “I Found It” resonated with him. He had found his people and his home. He was longing to be free of his pain and suffering, and with crying hearts we let him go where his body will be whole. Oh, the reunion awaiting us! Planning to join him in heaven are his wife, Gin, sons: Cade and Lynette, Aaron and Lori Decker, and Nil Unruh, daughter: Holly and Jessy Smith, eight grandchildren, special friends: Glen and Jessica Ratzloff, Norman and Mona Ratzloff, Curt and Sharon Johnson and many others who called him their mentor and friend. He also leaves his brother Clayton Manuel and sister Tomi Fontenot. Preceding him in death are his oldest son Josh, grandson Rylan, his parents and one sister. We as his family and close friends thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support we have felt through this time. We appreciate all the generous deeds, prayers, and thoughts. Visitation will be Sunday, May 14 from 2-4pm at Chaddick Funeral Home and from 6-8pm at Southern Magnolia Mennonite Church.  Funeral service will be Monday, May 15 at 10:30am at Southern Magnolia Mennonite Church.  Interment will be at Southern Magnolia Cemetery.  Philip Classen will officiate. Condolences can be made at chaddickfuneralhome.com