Theron Hokuka’ukakahiaka Manning

Theron Hokuka’ukakahiaka Manning (age 84) passed away at home in Forest, Virginia on April 28, 2026, after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born on May 22, 1941, in Hilo, Hawai’i to Gabriel Aloha Manning, Jr. and the former Virginia Martines de Santos.

Theron was raised in Hilo, Hawai’i and attended Hilo High School, Church College of Hawaiʻi in La’ie, O’ahu, Hawai’i and Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.

He married and was sealed to the former Charlotte Born Reynolds for time and for all eternity in the Los Angeles, California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 11, 1966. Theron is survived by 10 of their 11 children: Theron Hokulani Manning (Iris) of Kona, HI, Dwight Kealaka’i Manning of Middleton, WI, Lance Kekoa Manning (Brenda) of Carrollton, TX, Erik Kealoha Manning (Summer) of FL, Darrell Leolani Manning (Natasha) of Lynchburg, VA, Marliss Kehaulani Brockington (and the late Stephon Brockington, 2022) of Ft. Myers, FL, Drew Allen Kaipo Manning of Kona, HI, Elaine Iwalani Rose Manning (Brandon) of St. George, UT, Damon Kekailoa Manning of Kailua, HI and Cherese Francine U’ilani Du Plessis (Nicholas) of Lynchburg, VA; two sisters: Barbara Manning of Hilo, HI and Gaylene Nako (Aldon) of Gridley, CA; 25 grandchildren: Raukawa, Ka’ilihiwa, Te Awa, Jodeci, Dean, Catalina, Archer, Kael, Anders, Dustin, Malia, Alana, Haven, Grant, Melia, Bria, Banner, Kale’a, Kiana, Eden, Eli, Juliette, Julius, Jossandro, Jossani; and three great-grandchildren: Horopaunamu, Amiorangi, and Okauia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gabriel and Virginia Manning and son Gabriel Kaheaokalani Manning, who died in his infancy from Trisomy 18.

Throughout his career as a computer programmer, Theron worked for NASA, IBM, Loral, Lockheed Martin, and the US Navy. He found immense fulfillment in working to make a difference in the world.

He was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Alongside Charlotte, Theron served as a temple worker in the Washington, DC and Richmond, Virginia temples and a facilitator in the church’s Addiction Recovery Program. He loved helping others and especially visiting members of the faith in their homes through “home teaching.”

Theron and Charlotte served a full-time mission for the church in the Honolulu, Hawai’i mission from 2017 to 2018. They labored on the islands of Kauaʻi and Hawai’i and loved teaching the rising generation.

He enjoyed watching his kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events, being outside, taking early morning walks, watching old movies with Charlotte, reading and spending time with family. After his diagnosis, he enjoyed watching home repair and asian cooking shows.

The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers at Centra Health for the compassionate, life-extending care they provided during this time. Special thanks to the staff, doctors and nurses at the following Centra clinics: Oncology, Urology, Pulmonology, ER, Gastroenterology, and Hospice Care.

The family invites all to the following services: Friday, May 8, 2026                                                                                                                       Visitation, 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Tharp Funeral Home                                                                                                                                                            220 Breezewood Dr., Lynchburg, VA

Saturday, May 9, 2026                                                                                                                                                                                         Celebration of Life, 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints                                                                                                         110 Melinda Dr., Lynchburg, VA

Interment will be at Virginia Memorial Park in Forest, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

A hui hou, Dad, Grandpa & Great-Grandpa!

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.