Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Charles Manning Jr., born July 19th 1942, quietly passed away on June 23, 2026 surrounded by his loving wife Carolyn, his daughters Barbara, Susan, and Janice, and his grandchildren, Austin and Sarah.

Ben was born in San Antonio, Texas. He was the son of the late Benjamin C. Manning Sr., and Winnie O. Whitfield Manning. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn G. Golk Manning; daughters, Barbara Manning, Susan Manning Shook, and Janice Manning; son, Mark B. Manning; and grandchildren, Austin and Sarah Shook.

Ben dedicated his life to serving the Lord, others, and his country by being an ordained minister for over 60 years and an active Army Chaplain for over 25 years. As a pastor, he served various Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) across the country, from Leon, Kansas to Palestine, Illinois. He served various churches before, during, and after his military service. After retirement from the military, he continued to serve congregations throughout the DC area, including First Christian Church of Hagerstown and Winchester Avenue Christian Church. Additionally, he would preach at Hedges Chapel at The Woods, which serves his local community. His final congregation was at Boonsboro Christian Church in Maryland where he served for the last years of his life.

Benchuck’s military service was filled with multiple achievements and honors that demonstrate his dedication to our country and people. He was more than likely to be serving communion to soldiers in a foxhole, than a chapel during his time as Chaplain. His military career started in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, however he supported soldiers and their families across the country and globe, including New Zealand, Korea, Hawaii, Colorado, Brooklyn and more. One of his fondest assignments was at the Chaplain’s School in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. He ended his military career in Washington D.C. where he worked at Army Military Command (AMC) and the Pentagon. He has been awarded several medals, many multiple times. Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Manning’s most honored medal was the Legion of Merit.

Ben has multiple degrees and doctoral work. He was most proud of his Masters in Theology with an emphasis on ethics at Princeton University.

Outside of his career, he was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He loved being on a sailboat in the open waters and spent many summers at Hershey Park with his grandchildren. Some of his most precious memories were reading a book next to his loving wife on his screened porch.

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing Ben is finally at peace.

A memorial service will be held on July 18th at 2:00pm at First Christian Church of Hagerstown, 1345 Potomac Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742.

In remembrance of Chaplain Benjamin Manning Jr.’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Johns Hopkins Pancreatic Cancer Center. You can donate online, by phone, or by mail.