Donise Arthur (Art) Manuel, 87, of Richland, WA passed away September 22, 2015 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center.

Art was born in Walla Walla, Washington to Donise and Kathleen (Sutherland) Manuel on July 3, 1928. He was named after his father and they lived on the Manuel farm in College Place, Washington until his parents divorced.  Art was affectionately called “Sonny” by the many Manuel extended family members.  He graduated from high school in Walla Walla and held many part time jobs to earn extra money.  He worked delivered groceries and telegrams, including Gold Star telegrams. 

He joined the Army on September 5, 1946 where he worked as a clerk typist and parts clerk.  He achieved the rank of Corporal and served in Okinawa, Japan for 21 months.  He received the Army of Occupation Medal and the Japan World War II Victory Medal.  After returning to the United States, he was stationed at Camp Stoneman, California where he worked in the Military Personnel Section as a clerk.  He was honorably discharged from the Army on September 2, 1949.

While finishing his military service at Camp Stoneman he met Edra Ketchersid who was also a records clerk in the Army.  They married on October 23, 1949 at Camp Stoneman.  After his discharge, Art went to a diving school in Wilmington, California where he became a deep sea diver working at the bottom of the ocean off the coast of California.  He also worked at an aircraft plant building airplanes.   

After their first daughter was born in 1951, Art returned with his family to Walla Walla where he began his career as a Police Officer in 1954.  He worked foot patrol, was a motorcycle officer and completed accident investigations.  While in Walla Walla, three more daughters were born and in 1959 the family began moving to Richland where Art started his long career as a Richland Police Officer.  He was promoted to Sergeant in 1968 and retired in July 1980 as a Lieutenant.  He loved his job and the many challenges it gave him.  He always had many interesting and funny stories to tell about his work.  He was honored by the Exchange Club of Richland as Police Officer of the Year in 1976.  He was described by fellow officers at his retirement as a “Dauntless, Dedicated Detective and Administrator of Pandora’s Box” for his relentless and detailed work solving crimes. 

  After retirement Art continued to stay very busy with a variety of work including: salvage and demolition of buildings at Hanford, mechanic work for Bassett Transit, renting out and running a small backhoe, conducting Federal background investigations, and serving as the Benton County Deputy Coroner.  He also spent several years working at the Tri-City Herald delivering newspaper bundles to the carriers. Art was very involved with the Richland Church of Christ.  He served as Deacon and Treasurer for many years.      

Family was very important to Art and in 1970 his family became complete with the birth of his son.   He looked forward each year to annual family reunions that were often held at the beach.  His generosity and concern extended not only to his family but to all those around him. He was willing to give many people opportunities and the benefit of the doubt when most others would not.    

Art was survived by his children, Vicki Contini, Kathy Espinosa, Pam Briggs, Denise Meinke and Chris Manuel, Grandchildren: Christina Heater, Regina Powers, Kali Hawkins, Sarah Hawkins, Amanda Pollock, Jeremy Meinke, Great-Grand Children: Caleb Heater, Jessica Heater, Zachary Heater, Liam Powers, Caitlyn Powers, Ethan Miller; Numerous cousins.He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathleen Sutherland, Father: Donise Manuel, Wife: Edra Claudine Manuel. 

Visitation will be held at Events at Sunset in Richland, WA, Thursday, October 1, from 5-7pm. A memorial service will be held at the Richland Church of Christ, Friday, October 2, at 4pm. The graveside will take place at the Mountain View Cemetery, Walla Walla, Saturday, October 3, 11am.