Deacon Leon T. Manuel Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Life for Deacon Leon Thomas Manuel began on March 1, 1940. Life for him ended on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at Riddle Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. Deacon Leon Manuel was born in Stockton, Maryland, the first child born to the late Thelma Manuel Foreman and Milton Hudson. He was one of eight children. Affectionately called “Dea., Leon or Manuel” by family and friends, he was an endearing father and husband who brought much joy and laughter to his family. Deacon Manuel was educated in the Chester Upland School District. He had a passion for nice clothes and cars; he was “Dapper-Dan”. He was always willing and ready to help anyone who needed help, taking them shopping or whatever the need was - Dea. Manuel was there. Deacon Manuel served in the United States Marines. He was employed for forty (40) years by Scott Paper Company, now Kimberly Clark, was a master paper maker and supervisor. He retired from Scott Paper in 2000; he also worked after retirement thirteen (13) years with Wallingford School District and three (3) years with Toby Farms Nursery School as a school bus driver. Dea. Manuel “loved” cutting his grass at home, maintaining a beautiful lawn along with his neighbors, and having the “best” BBQ’s for all the family and friends. Dea. Manuel married Shirley Jones in 1960 and to this union four (4) children were born; Darryl, Craig Leon (deceased), and Rose. Shirley was called home to be with the Lord in 1992. Leon met his wife, Mary Pender, and they became husband and wife in 1993, 29 years ago. They were united in wedlock by the late Rev. Jeremiah W. Witherspoon at Temple Baptist Church on October 13, 1993. They were happily blessed with one (1) child, a son, Michael Pender, whom the Lord called home at the age of ten.. Deacon Manuel was ordained a Deacon at Temple Baptist Church in September, 1995 and his wife, Mary, became a Deaconess, and they worked harmoniously together serving as Deacon & Deaconess. He has served the church as Chairman of the Deacon Board, member of the Senior Usher Board, Brotherhood Committee, Transportation Committee, Sunday School and taught as a teacher when needed. He was also President of the Deacons Association and educator of the Deacons throughout the City of Chester. Deacon Manuel was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church and loved his church. He was a participant in all activities and any time he was in charge of programs he could certainly count on his family to be there to support him. He was called the Chef of Barbecuing. His ribs will be missed but “He”, Deacon Leon T. Manuel, will certainly be missed and he leaves a legacy for all to emulate. He loved life and he loved all of us here celebrating him today. Dea. Manuel was predeceased by his first wife, Shirley, sons, Leon Manuel, Jr. and Michael Pender; two (2) grandchildren; Tamika Pittman and Shamarr Francis; two (2 brothers: David Foreman (Iris) and Sherman Foreman (Brenda). He leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Mary; two (2) sons: Darryl Manuel, Sr. (Monica), Craig Manuel (Marla) and one (1) daughter, Rose Manuel; grandchildren: Leon Manuel III, Aaron Gidgetts, Shanera Manuel, Ranier Manuel, Kalief Manuel, Khalia Manuel, Darryl Manuel, Jr., and Cierra Manuel; Siblings: Cleona Johnson (James), Sandra Foreman, Angela Coles, Eunice Harmon (Bobby), Ginny Hitch, Samuel Foreman and Larry Foreman; twenty-one (21) great grandchildren and one (1) great-great grandchild. Respectfully submitted, The Family

Deacon Leon T. Manuel Sr.

March 1, 1940 - March 22, 2022