John D. Manchen

John Dale Manchen
September 15, 1958 - November 3, 2021

John Manchen, 63, beloved husband, father, “Pops”, and friend, passed away November 3, 2021 in Waco, Tx. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 6, at Meadowbrook Baptist Church, 1207 N. Old Robinson Road, Robinson, Texas.

John was born September 15, 1958 in Dallas, Texas to Paul and Geraldine Manchen. He graduated from Justin Kimball High School in 1977. After high school, John went to work for Birmingham Construction in Dallas with his father, Paul, and best friend, Kyle Cochran. There, he developed his life-long love of woodworking that would continue the rest of his life. He went on to work for Watson & Cochran. He moved to Waco in 1998, and continued his career at Khoury, Inc. where he was employed for 15 years. Most recently he was able to realize a life long dream of being able to work from home for UFP Stafford Millwork.

John met his best friend, Kyle at the age of 11 and they quickly became inseparable. They were baptized together in 1981. They spent their childhood and teenage years doing everything together. They considered themselves brothers and maintained their relationship into adulthood.

On June 20, 2009, he married the love of his life, Rondia Jaro Elliott of Hewitt. He was a faithful, loving husband to Rondia, only spending a few days away from her side during their 12 years of marriage. His daughter, Jordyn, was the light of his life and he was a lovable “Pops” to granddaughter, Presley Jo, who was always fascinated by his bald head. He also became a loving step-father to Ashlee Elliott.

John is remembered by all those who had the privilege of knowing him as kind, easygoing, disciplined, and a man of high integrity. He was known at church, where he ushered each Sunday, as the “quiet man”. He was quiet, loyal, and content to put others needs before his own. Only second to Jesus, he was the joy of Rondia’s life and he was an anchor in Jordyn and Ashlee’s lives, steadfast and loving in all ways.

Those who knew John best remember his love of playing Texas Hold ‘em. His dream vacation was playing Poker at a poker table in Las Vegas. He was able to take multiple trips to Vegas to play. He also spent many hours maintaining and riding his prized Harley Low Rider. He enjoyed the outdoors, spending many days fishing and kayaking.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Geraldine Manchen, his brother, Russell Manchen, and his sister, Diana McCoy. Survivors include his beloved wife, Rondia, daughter, Jordyn Chamblee, step-daughter, Ashlee Elliott, grand-daughter, Presley Jo Chamblee, brother, Randall Manchen and wife, Michele, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed to Meadowbrook Baptist Church-Building Fund, where John was a faithful member for 12 years.