Alton Edward Manning, MSgt, USAF (retired), 78, of O'Fallon, born in Moro, Ark. made the journey to his heavenly home on March 9, 2007 at Covenant Care of O'Fallon, surrounded by members of his family.

Alton was a proud military veteran, having entered the US Army Air Corps at the age of 17 in 1945. As the military made the transition to the US Air Force, Alton became an airman. He served during World War II, the Korean War and also Vietnam. Most of the early years of his service were spent in Europe, where he met and married Marie Anna Ludwig of Furstenfeldbruck, Germany. Alton served over 20 years in the USAF, retiring at Scott AFB in 1966. He continued his federal service in the Manpower Branch at Military Airlift Command Headquarters, Scott AFB, until his retirement.

Alton loved his family and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was also a proud Christian man and spent much of his free time working for his church and volunteering with the American Red Cross. He liked being outdoors, and was especially fond of the mountains in Germany. He also enjoyed tinkering with old cars and boating.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marie, of O'Fallon; his daughter Heidi Frazier and her husband, Roger of Deer Park, Texas; his son Col. Michael Manning, USAF (retired) and his wife, Debbie, of O'Fallon; four grandchildren, Roger (Jennifer) Frazier, Jr., Randy (Amanda) Frazier, Mikayla Manning, and Michael Ryan Manning; two great grandchildren, Mackenzie and Hayden Frazier.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dillon and Letha "Jean" (nee Usrey) Manning, formerly of Chandler, Okla.; and his sister Clara Westmoreland.

Memorial Donations in memory of Alton E. Manning are suggested to O'Fallon Assembly of God Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Visitation: Friends may call from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, Monday, March 12, 2007 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon.

Funeral Service: 10:00 am, Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Dale C. Edwards, officiating.

A luncheon will be served immediately following the funeral service at O'Fallon Assembly of God Church, 1400 N. Green Mount Rd., O'Fallon.

Interment will follow at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo., with full military honors.