Chapter Eternal - Richards '42, Manning '58, Bauer '59 & Smith '81

We have been honored to call these men our Brothers. The condolences of Theta Chi’s extended worldwide family are offered to the family and friends of our deceased brothers.

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of:

  • Mark A. Richard III ‘42 - June 20, 2019

  • Walter O. Manning ‘58 - June 19, 2019

  • Clarence J. Bauer ‘59 - June 24, 2019

  • Donald A. Smith ‘81 - March 17, 2019


Mark A. Richards III ‘42 - LaVie Portrait

Mark A. Richards III ‘42 - LaVie Portrait

Mark Allan Richards III - Pittsford - June 20, 2019 at age 99 1/2. Predeceased seven weeks earlier by his wife of 70 years, Barbara Bedford Richards; parents, Mark and Edna McClain Richards; and brother-in-law, Richard C. Bedford. He is survived by his daughter, Lindsay and son-in-law, John L. Garrett, Rochester, NY; daughter, Susan R. Steele of Shiremanstown, PA; his grandchildren, Whitney Steele of Utah, Kristin Steele and husband John Skovira of PA; and his great-grandchildren, Margot and Nina Skovira.

Mark was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 19, 1920. After receiving his BA from Penn State in 1941, he served four years as a US Navy officer during WWII in the Caribbean, Pacific and Atlantic theaters. After the war, he received an MBA degree from Harvard Business School in 1947. Mark then began a 41-year career at the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI. Hired by the "Whiz Kids," he climbed the ranks of Ford rising to senior executive positions. He was the essence of the greatest generation.

After marrying Barbara in 1949, they maintained their home for many years in Bloomfield Hills, MI where Barbara capably supported Mark's career and together they raised their family. In 2010, Barbara and Mark moved to Cloverwood Senior Living in Pittsford, NY to be closer to family. Mark enjoyed golf and sailing and was recognized internationally for his intellect and keen interest in business, finance and investments. He was admired by all.

The family would like to thank Barbara and Mark's very special aides for their tireless assistance and also Dr. Thomas Caprio and his Hospice team for their compassionate care.

For those wishing, donations may be made to UR Medicine Hospice, 2180 Empire Blvd, Webster, NY 14580. To share a memory of Mark or send a condolence to the family visit www.anthonychapels.com.


Walter O. Manning ‘58 - LaVie Portrait

Walter O. Manning ‘58 - LaVie Portrait

Walter O. Manning, age 87, a longtime resident of Plainfield, IL, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2019 at his home, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born May 3, 1932 in Canonsburg, PA.

Walt is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Vera; his loving daughters, Katherine (Kevin) Tjelle of Waterman, IL and Victoria (Eric) Matway of Plainfield, IL; and his cherished grandchildren, Max (J Matthew) Garland-Haws, Benjamin Garland, Nicholas Garland, Daniel Cassidy, Katherine Cassidy, Alexandra Matway, Olivia Matway and Richard Eric Matway, Jr. He was preceded in death by parents, Walter F. and Genevieve T. Manning and his brother, Barry T. Manning.

Walt was a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korea Conflict. After his service he earned his bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, University Park, PA. He began his career in Human Resources with Pennsylvania Railroad in Pittsburgh for 2 years, then 2 years with Monsanto in Dayton, OH, then Kerr Glass in Plainfield in 1964. In 1966 he was hired by Panduit Corp. in Tinley Park and retired as Vice President of Human Resources in 1997. Walt was appointed to the Plainfield Planning Commission in 1994 and served until 2006 when he was elected to the Village Board. He served 4 years as a Trustee and was very proud to have had the Downtown Streetscape Improvement Project under his direction. Walt was a 55 year member of St. Mary Immaculate Church. In his spare time he loved to read, solve crossword puzzles, and play bridge with his friends. Above all else, family was the most important part of Walt’s life. He lived every day for them and was proud to be the best husband, dad and Grandpop. Walt will be truly missed.

For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Walt’s life, memorial donations may be directed to American Cancer Society.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 23, 2:00 – 7:00 PM at the Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, corner of Routes 30 & 59, Plainfield. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 24, 11:00 AM at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield. Interment will be private.

To plant a tree in memory of Walter O. Manning, please visit our Tribute Store.


Clarencer Bauer ‘59 - LaVie Portrait

Clarencer Bauer ‘59 - LaVie Portrait

Clarence J. Bauer - Here is Clarence J. Bauer’s obituary. Please accept Everhere’s sincere condolences.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Clarence J. Bauer (Warren, Pennsylvania), born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who passed away on June 24, 2019, at the age of 82, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Clarence J. Bauer to show support.

He was predeceased by : his parents, Clarence Bauer and Helen M. Bogush Bauer. He is survived by : his wife Elizabeth Confer Bauer; his son Kevin Bauer (Beth); his grandson Lucas of Hudson, OH.; his nieces, Kim Preston of Pleasantville, PA. and Robin Mangel of Union City, PA.. He is also survived by 2 Great Nieces and 2 Great Nephews.


Donald Smith ‘81 - LaVie Portrait

Donald Smith ‘81 - LaVie Portrait

Donald A. Smith - On March 17, 2019 Donald Alan Smith, beloved husband of Nancy D. Smith passed away. Loving father of Kristin Smith Burns and husband Matthew, and Kelsey Smith Lord and husband Jonathan. Brother of Lois Smith of Lebanon PA, Darin Smith and wife Linda of Hughesville PA, and the late Dennis Smith. Grandfather of Emerson Burns and Everett Burns. Family will receive friends at Witzke Funeral Homes, Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Rd., Columbia, MD 21045 on Friday, March 29th from 5pm to 6:30pm, where a Memorial Service will begin at 6:30pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics Howard County, 8970 Route 108, Suite A-1, Columbia, MD 21045.