Douglas Manson
Douglas Manson, 68, of St. James City died Feb. 28, 2013, at Lee Memorial Hospital. He was born in Lockport, N.Y., Dec. 200, 1944, to Roderick and Irene Manson.
He joined the U.S. Army in 1964, becoming a paratrooper. He was stationed in Korea for two years and then Germany. Upon his discharge in 1968, he had attained the rank of sergeant, first class.
While living in Lockport in the 1970s, Mr. Manson pursued a passion for acting and starred in several productions. He played the Common Man in “A Man for All Seasons,” and the title role in Moliere’s “A Physician in Spite of Himself.” He also acted in “The School for Scandal,” “Not Now, Darling” and “The Still Alarm.” Most of these plays were produced at the Kenan Center’s Taylor Theater.
He graduated in1979 from Niagra University with a bachelors degree from the School of Arts and Sciences. He worked for a time in hotel management.
In 1990, Mr. Manson moved to Florida where he became a property manager, the career from which he retired. While in Florida, he became actively involved in the American Legion, and from 2001-2003 he served as commander of Post 136’s Honor Guard and was instrumental in its reorganization. At the time of his death, he was serving at Post 136’s historian.
Survivors include two sisters, Joan McFarlane and Diane Sansone; and four brothers, Roderick, Alexander, Lawrence and Donald.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 16, from 1-3 p.m., at the American Legion Post 136 in St. James City. Internment will be in Sarasota National Cemetery.