George R. Manker, 91, of White Hall, died Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at his residence. He was born August 7, 1924, in Streator, the son of Leslie and Emma Davis Manker. George married Betty Schnitker in 1943, and she preceded him in death in 1953. He married Marian Willets on May 6, 1956, in Jacksonville, and she survives. George is also survived by seven children, Bonnie (Rodney) Wallace of Jacksonville, Vicky Smith of Houston, Texas, Robin (Karen) Manker of Chapin, Fred Manker of Springfield, Brenda (Judson) Hawk of White Hall, Bob Manker of Literberry, and Julie (Collin) Brennan of Springfield; nineteen grandchildren, Chad (Dana) Wallace of Ashland, Kristen (Johnny) Heaton of Lynnville, Eric (Sarah) Wallace of Literberry, Terry Staats and Clayton (Krystal) Smith, both of Houston, Texas, Brad Manker of Memphis, Tennessee, Tyson Manker of South Jacksonville, Nicholas Manker of Jacksonville, Stephanie Hawk of White Hall, Jackie Manker of Fairview Heights, J.R. (Lauren) Manker of Jacksonville, Jason Manker of Austin, Texas, Jimmy Manker of Fairview Heights, Jessica Manker of St. Louis, Missouri, Justin Manker of Austin, Texas, Ainsley Brennan and Gracie Mae Brennan, both of Springfield, Jeff (Susie) Lansaw of Jacksonville, and “soon to be” Katie Marie Brennan. George is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and one sister, Lena (Norman) Davis of Loveland, Colorado. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Betty Manker, one grandson, Tony Pessina, one sister, Mildred Hall, and two brothers, James Manker and William Manker. George served in the United States Army Quartermaster Corps during World War II, stationed in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Japan. As a young man he worked as a mechanic at Massey-Ferguson in Arenzville and was an outstanding softball pitcher for many teams, including the Jacksonville Red Legs. He took a job at the Jacksonville Bowling Center in 1960 and eventually purchased the business in 1976. George also owned bowling alleys in Pittsfield and Winchester. An avid bowler, he was inducted into the Jacksonville Bowling Hall of Fame and also the Horseshoe Hall of Fame. He retired and sold his business in 1995. George was a member of the First Christian Church in White Hall, a lifetime member of the V.F.W., and a member of the Jacksonville Moose. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and, most of all, cherished his family. A funeral service and military rites will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2016, at Williamson Funeral Home. The family will meet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church in White Hall. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.