Lewis “Mike” Michael Manko, 76, of Howesville, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, with his loving wife of 54 years by his side. He was born on Nov. 16, 1946, in Morgantown, son of the late Louis Harold and Rema Estafay (Riley) Manko.
Mike grew up attending the one room school house in Howesville and finished his requirement to graduate at Kingwood High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves until 1972. Mike started his work career at Sterling Faucet in Reedsville. He left there and started his Coal Mining career at the North Branch Mine. He became a member of the Humphrey Mine, which later became Consol Energy. Mike started out as a roof bolter and later ran the 50-ton motor, where he pulled loads of coal out of the mines, sometimes from 14 miles underground. He was a proud member of the UMWA and he still attended a monthly breakfast and gathering with his former co-workers. One of his proudest accomplishments was working over 35 years in the coal mines and never having a lost time accident.
Mike was very active in the outdoors his entire life. He played for the Legendary Howesville VFW Softball Team for many years. Mike was best known for his power for hitting the softball as far as anyone around. He continued playing softball long enough to play with his sons on the J&J Homes and Break-A-Way Excavating teams out of Tunnelton. Mike was an avid outdoorsman and was always on the stream in the spring fishing for trout or in a tree stand in the fall looking for that trophy buck. Another one of his greatest joys was hunting and fishing with his sons and grandkids.
Undoubtably two of Mike’s biggest loves in his life were his love for his family and his love for the Lord. Watching his grandkids play sports was at the top of his to-do list. Mike and Karen were always there watching their grandkids play, whether it was youth league, middle school or high school. Many times, it was at several locations in the same day. Mike didn’t have much of a chance to play sports when he was growing up, so he seemed to relive his childhood through his grandkids. He was their biggest supporter and loved them no matter the outcome.
Mike was a Christian and he actively served the Lord. He attended the Kingwood Church of the Nazarene and previously went to church at Christian Evangelical Church. He was always active in the church serving as a Sunday school teacher and singing in the choir. Just recently, Mike stood in front of the congregation and gave his testimony on his faith and his love for God.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Karen Faye (Martin) Manko; two sons, Chad Everett Manko and Dollie, of Lenox, and Dustin John Manko and Kelly, of Lenox; seven grandchildren, Seneca, Chesney, Kinley, Briar, Colson, Slaton and Ryelyn Manko; one brother, John Manko and Shirley, of Owings, Md.; one half brother, Scott Manko, of Bayard; one stepsister, Carolyn Wade and Michael, of Los Angeles; Uncle Ralph Manko and Bertha, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio; Aunt Libby Lowdermilk and Buck, of Masontown; brother-in-law, Steve Isacc, of Valley Point; two sisters-in-law, Betty Jean Riley and Kay Findley and Roger, of Grafton; and many special nieces and nephews whose lives he touched. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by one son, Michael Todd Manko; stepmother, Hazel (West) Manko; one sister, Molly Manko Isaac; special uncle and brother-in-law, Harry Riley; mother and father-in-law, Edward and Thelma Martin; and grandparents, Doc and Myrtle Riley and John and Hester Manko.
Mike shared the Lord’s message wherever he went. His hope was that everyone be given the opportunity to know God. We will miss our husband, father, granddad, and brother for sure, but what a reunion he is having in Heaven with his son Todd.
Family and friends will be received at Kingwood Funeral Home, 295 S. Price St., Kingwood, from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, and from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, with Pastor Brian Detrick officiating. Interment will follow at the Shays Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Michael Todd Manko Memorial Fund at any Wesbanco location, or the mailing address of 203 Morgantown St., Kingwood, WV 26537, where all donations made are used to help others in need. God Bless you all. Kingwood Funeral Home is honored to serve the Manko family.
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