Francis Foote ‘Mel’ Manning

Published 2:00 pm Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Funeral services will be at 12 Noon Thursday, December 15, 2011, at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in New Iberia, for Francis Foote “Mel” Manning, 75, who died on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, in New Iberia.

Entomb-ment will follow in Holy Family Cemetery.

The Rev. Cannon Larry G. Wilkes will officiate.

A gathering of family and friends will be Thursday from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 303 West Main Street in New Iberia.

Born on July 20, 1936, in Baton Rouge, Mr. Manning was a 1954 graduate of Kaplan High School. He attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches before joining the U.S. Army, where he proudly served our country for three and one half years in South Korea. He then enrolled in the University of Southwestern Louisiana and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in management in 1962. In 1964, Mr. Manning received his Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration from Duke University.

Beginning his professional career in 1964, Mr. Manning joined the Oschner Clinic in New Orleans, as the associate administrator. Later, he became the administrative director of the medical group and served there until 1986. In 1987 and 1988, he served as chief executive officer of the Academic Physicians and Surgeons at the Medical College of Hampton Roads, in Norfolk, Va.

In 1989, he became the administrator of the Hamilton Medical Group in Lafayette, and served there until his retirement in 2000.

Over the years, Mr. Manning was published in various national medical journals. In 1977, he edited a book published on “Medical Group Practice Management”. This book was widely used as a textbook and guide for professionals in the field of medical management. He has also served as Adjunct Professor in Clinical Management at Boone State University in North Carolina.

Mr. Manning was named the recipient of the Harry J. Harwick Award, from the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). The award honors an individual who has displayed a lifetime of achievement and made nationally recognized contributions to health care deliver, administration and education in medical group practice. It is the highest honor of the ACMPE. In addition, he was honored by the ACMPE with a Life Fellow and a Distinguished Fellow Designation.

He served as Southern Section President of the College of MGMA and President of ACMPE. Mr. Manning was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Regional Medical Center, and also served as Chairman for four years. He was also active as a member of the Board of Trustees for the University of the South, in Sewanee, Tenn.

A member of St. Paul Episcopal Church, in Abbeville, he was also a member of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in New Iberia, where he served as Senior Warden of the Vestry. In addition, Mr. Manning served on the Board of Directors of the Shadows-on-the-Teche.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Jo Hinton Manning, of New Iberia; daughters Melanie Anne Manning of Kerrville, Texas, and Elisabeth West Manning of Bryan, Texas; stepdaughters Allison Herrera and husband, Juan, of Lafayette, Ashley Dartez and husband, Robert “Bob,” of Lafayette; three granddaughters Emily Herrera, Ashley Kathryn Herrera, Anna Dartez; brothers Dr. John Augustus Manning III and wife, Paula, of Berwick, James Blue Manning and wife, Marian, of Winnsboro, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Augustus Manning Jr. and Elise Foote Manning; and a daughter Meredith Lee Manning.

Pallbearers will be James Blue Manning, Dr. John Augustus Manning III, Robert “Bob” Dartez, Juan Herrera, Lyman “Butch” Thornton and Carroll Gary.

Honorary pallbearers include Pratt Munson, Robert “Bob” Goldstein, Dr. Harold Jacobs, Dr. Morris Hoffpauir, David Wiseman, Martin Rubio and Mike Barras.

The family would like to give special “Thanks” to Janice Barideaux, Ruby Smith, Rita Boutte, Janice Walker and the staff of Hospice of Acadiana for their extraordinary care and compassion.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 303 West Main Street, New Iberia, LA 70560, Shadows-on-the-Teche, 317 E. Main Street, New Iberia, LA 70560, Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street, Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503 or the Miles Perret Center, P.O. Box 80763, Lafayette, LA 70598.

To view online obituary, video tribute and sign guestbook, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560, 365-3331, is in charge of arrangements.