Wilbert Manche

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Wilbert G. "Will" Manche, 76, of Charleston died Monday, May 19, 2008, at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 2, 1932, in Perry County, son of Carlos Manche and Irma Dippold Manche DePauw. He and Glenda McDonald May were married April 16, 1988.

Manche lived in Perry County most of his life where he was employed with Sabreliner Corp. He was elected as vice president and business representative of Teamsters Local 574 in Cape Girardeau and worked with the Teamsters several years.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps 20 years, obtaining the rank of gunnery sergeant. He served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

He moved to Mississippi County in 1988. He was a member of Charleston Kiwanis Club and attended Charleston First Baptist Church. He practiced as a certified hypnotherapist until ill health forced his retirement.

Survivors include his wife; five sons, Patrick Manche of Fredericktown, Mo., Douglas Manche of Potosi, Mo., Carl Manche of Perryville, Mo., Keith May of Cape Girardeau, Jay May of Oran, Mo.; two daughters, Vera Pobst of Oran, Jerra Hutson of Cape Girardeau; two brothers, Cletus Manche of Perryville, James DePauw of Marion, Ill.; two sisters, Carol Gremlick of Highland, Ill., Georgia Foster of Perryville; and 12 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother.

Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. to service time Thursday at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Michael Brewer officiating. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield. Military rites will be conducted by the Marine Corps Honor Guard.