Robert E. McMannis, 89, of Elkhart, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Brickyard Healthcare in Elkhart. He was born in Elkhart, IN on November 21, 1936, to the late Percy and Geraldine (Reed) McMannis.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Barbara McMannis; children, Carol Cowen of Indiana, Geroge Hanson of Michigan, Barbara Hagy of Indiana, Mary McBrayer of Georgia, Elizabeth Vance of Indiana, and Edward Hanson Sr. of Indiana; 24 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sons, Edward “Jr” McMannis and Michael Hanson Sr.; daughter, Deborah Montagano; and sisters, Mary Lou and Barbara Sue.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. Robert’s service will begin at noon on Thursday with Pastor Tim Sheets officiating; he is the Pastor of Northside Church of the Nazarene, where he was a member. He will be laid to rest at Sugar Grove Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the family c/o Elizabeth Vance, to help alleviate funeral expenses.

Robert was a hardworking and ornery man who worked for many years as a local semi-truck driver for E.R. Carpenter. He was a truck driver through and through and went by “Ugly Mutt” or was lovingly dubbed “Old Fart” over the CB radio. Robert made many friends over the years as a truck driver and collected miniature trucks and cars. In his earlier years, he enjoyed bowling on several local leagues.

Robert married Barbara Adams on February 14th, 1987, a Valentines Day to remember. They had been childhood best friends for many years and ended up finding one another years later. Robert loved his family and his grandchildren. They were his whole world, and he never missed a game, concert, or sports activity that they had. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and many friends.