Ronald Eugene Manges
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Ronald Eugene Manges, 77, of Walkersville, Maryland, passed peacefully on Tuesday, July 5th, 2022, surrounded by his beloved family, at Frederick Health Hospital in Frederick, MD.
Ronald was born on October 23rd, 1944, in Cumberland, Maryland. He was the son of Alfred and Margaret (True) Manges. He grew up in the City of Cumberland, Maryland, and attended Fort Hill High School. Being a three-season athlete, playing Football, Basketball, and Baseball, Ron later graduated from Fort Hill High School in 1962 and received a scholarship from the University of Maryland to play Quarterback for the Football Team. Ron said that he could not grasp the idea of why a college would want him to play football and attend class. Later he decided this would not work for him, so he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. It did not take him long to figure out that the military was not for him. In 1965, Ron moved to Frederick Maryland where his management skills landed him a career with State Farm Insurance. This period of time extended to a 42 year span where he found lifelong friendships. A few years after moving to Frederick, he received a call from the Frederick Falcons asking him to play Quarterback where he played for eight years. Although during that period of time, he met the love of his life, Candis Manges. The two later got married at First Baptist Church of Frederick, Maryland on June 24th, 1972. The love Ron had for his wife could be seen from miles away. He absolutely adored her in each moment, whether that be in sickness or health, he was always her number one supporter. The love story of Ronald and Candis was always seen by everyone and will forever be cherished. The loving couple celebrated their milestone of 50 years of marriage this past June. Ron started coaching in the Walkersville area with the Glade Valley Athletic Association for Baseball, but soon started coaching Midget Football with GVAA. His son, Ronald E. Manges Jr, played in these sports during that time period as well, but unfortunately passed away from a car accident in 1985. In 1986 Ronald's life made a drastic change for the better when Dave Schrodel asked him to become involved with coaching Football at Walkersville High School. His career began to light up once he became the offensive coordinator for the Varsity team. In addition, that same year, he received a call from Dave Miller asking him to announce Basketball games. He later gave up announcing Walkersville boys' basketball in 2016 to watch his youngest granddaughter play basketball and to announce her games. Ron also did some announcing for the softball and baseball teams at Walkersville High School as well over the years. In addition to his contributions to athletics, he was inducted to the Frederick County Sports Hall of Fame in 2017 and was part of the Mount Pleasant Ruritan Club.
In Ron's free time he would play golf, typically at Maple Run in Thurmont MD. Also, occasionally he would mow the "greens" for them, in turn he'd play a couple holes after. Although sometimes he did not have the luxury of playing some golf after, but that's because of either running errands, or one of his favorites, Poppy's Daycare. This daycare service is not the typical, instead, it is absolutely full of love, lessons and the best moments of "Poppy" laughing and enjoying himself. The daycare he ran was for his great-grandson, Josiah Ramirez who he loved so dearly. In some cases, it was "Poppy and Grammi's Daycare" where the two would take turns running the daycare, or at the same time. Although the times he was not running the daycare, he was most likely outside mowing, gardening or even in the pool. He enjoyed the time he got to spend outside doing all of those things because it gave him something to look forward to each and every day.
Ron said once "The experience of sports teaches you character, and character goes a long way in life. If you have good character, you're going to be a good person" and Ron, or "Mango" and even the classic "Mr. Ron" was all that a good person would have hoped to be, because he was truly amazing to each and every one he encountered in his lifetime.
Ronald Eugene Manges is survived by his wife, Candis J. Manges of Walkersville, daughters, Kristina L. Martin and husband Paul Martin of Walkersville, and Cynthia L. Gaus and husband Van Gaus of Cumberland, and Nikki L. Manges of Walkersville, grandchildren, Captain Meleah Martin, Alexis Gaus, Dalton Gaus, Rayel Wright, Rian Wright, and his great grandson Josiah Ramirez. Many nieces, nephews and adopted children/grandchildren as well.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Margaret Manges, his brothers Roy and Roger Manges, as well as sister, Myrtle May Pullin. Lastly, his son, Ronald E. Manges Jr.
The family will receive friends for a Celebration Of His Life at 1PM on Saturday, July 16th, 2022, at Mount Pleasant Ruritan Club, 8101 Crum Road, Walkersville, MD 21793. We welcome our guests in attendance to share fond memories of his life.
We ask that If you are attending to please wear Blue & Gold (Walkersville High School) or Red & White (Fort Hill High School). In addition, in leu of flowers, donations can be made in Ron's honor to either Walkersville High School Athletic Boosters or Fort Hill High School Athletic Boosters.