Mark Francis Manuel

Mark Francis "Fritz" Manuel

1. Mark Francis "Fritz" Manuel, known to his family and close friends as Fritz, was born on
2. February 10, 1934, in Galesburg, Illinois, and passed away peacefully in Fairhope,
3. Alabama, on July 6, 2026, at the age of 92, following a courageous seven-year journey
4. with Parkinson's disease. His devoted wife, Lois, was by his side. 
5. 
   
6. He was a kind, gentle, and exceptionally handsome man, remembered for his warm spirit, 
7. quiet strength, and wry, unforgettable sense of humor. Mark's life was shaped by service,
8. scholarship, creativity, and an unwavering love for his family. He studied at Georgia Institute 
9. of Technology and the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was a proud member of 
10. the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He also served honorably in the U.S. Army.
11. 
    
12. For many years, Mark worked as a traveling salesman with Mid-South Brokers, calling
13. on businesses from New Orleans to Florida. He proudly represented a variety of candy
14. and confectionery products and genuinely enjoyed visiting with his loyal customers and
15. introducing them to his latest samples. His dedication, friendly nature, and integrity earned 
16. him lasting relationships with those he served. After retiring from the confectionery business, 
17. he began a second career as an Allstate insurance agent, where he approached every client 
    with honesty, compassion, and personal attention. To Mark, insurance wasn't  simply about 
18. policies—it was about helping people through some of life's most difficult moments. Following 
19. Hurricane Katrina, one grateful client wrote, “Regardless of the outcome of our claim, we wanted 
    you to know that we find you to be a man of integrity with an obvious compassion for your clients.” 
20. Those words reflected the way Mark lived his life, with honesty, kindness, and unwavering integrity. 
21. 
    
22. Golf was one of Mark's greatest passions and talents. He was captain of the Southern Miss Golf
23. Team and a founding member of the infamous "Dog Pound," a group of friends who played weekly,
24. rain or shine, at Sunkist Country Club in Biloxi, Mississippi. Whether on the course or sharing stories 
25. afterward, golf brought him lifelong friendships and countless cherished memories.
26. 
    
27. Later in life, Mark discovered another passion, painting. He created beautiful works that
28. reflected both his talent and generous spirit, giving most of his paintings to family and
29. friends while also exhibiting and selling pieces through local galleries. In 2007, he was
30. honored with the "Best of Show" award at the Grand Festival of Art by the Bay in Fairhope.
31. Painting brought him not only peace, but also a wonderful community of friends.
32. 
    
33. Above all, Mark was cherished for the way he made people feel seen, welcomed, and at
34. ease. His quiet generosity, warm smile, and quick wit made every gathering brighter. His
35. greatest joy was the life he shared with Lois, whose love, companionship, and unwavering
36. devotion filled their 35 years together with happiness. He was deeply proud of his children,
37. grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments and loving them 
    without measure.
38. 
    
39. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanne Manuel and Maurice Manuel. He is survived
40. by his devoted wife of 35 years, Lois Ann Sullivan Manuel; his siblings, Mike Manuel (Joyce),
41. Chip Manuel (Betty), and Marcia Manuel; his beloved children, Mark S. Manuel (Linda), Timothy
42. A. Manuel (Robyn), and Allison M. Puissegur (Louis); seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren;
43. two nieces; one step-niece; one step-nephew; and four great-step-nephews, all of whom brought
44. him immense pride and joy.
45. 
    
46. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Hughes Home Care, Rasheda Coleman, and 
47. Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion, and support throughout Mark's
48. illness.
49. 
    
50. A service and reception celebrating Mark's life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at
51. 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Fairhope. Family and friends are warmly invited to 
52. gather in remembrance of a life well lived.
53. 
    
54. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Mark's honor to the USGA 
55. Junior Golf Program, reflecting his lifelong love of the game and his hope that future generations would 
56. experience the same joy golf brought to him. Mark's legacy lives on in the laughter he sparked, the art
57. he created, the fairways he walked, the friendships he treasured, and the family he loved beyond measure.
58. May his memory forever be a blessing.