Manson Edmund Church, 90, Indianapolis and Fort Myers, Fla., died on April 26. Son of the late Rev. Dallas M. Church and Lorene (Hughbanks) Church, he is survived by his wife of 66 years, Phyllis L. (DuPouy) Church, his two sons, David M. Church and Daniel E. Church and his grandson, Grant Church. He is also survived by his sister, Mae Ellen Gale and brother, Meredith Church. His brothers Leonard and Dallas Eldon Church preceded him in death.
Manson was born in Marion County on March 23, 1925, graduated from Anderson High School in 1943, and was immediately inducted into the U.S. Army during WWII. He served in England and France and was discharged in 1946. He enrolled at Butler University and graduated in 1949 with an A.B. degree. He then entered the Indiana University School of Law (Indianapolis) where he received a J.D. degree in 1952.
Manson was admitted to the practice of law in Indiana, the Federal District Court and the United States Supreme Court. He practiced law in Noblesville since 1952, initially with the law firm of Roberts & Roberts, which was established in 1880. The firm is presently known as Church Church Hittle & Antrim. Although he retired in 2002, he continued on with the firm in the role of “Of Counsel” until his death. His practice was primarily focused on probate, municipal government and municipal finance. Manson was a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Council, the Indiana State Bar Association, where he served on the board of managers and as the chairman of the Probate, Trust and Real Property law sections, as well as the Hamilton County Bar Association. In addition, he served on the Indiana Probate Code and Study Commission for 14 years and was named a “Sagamore of the Wabash” for his contributions.
Manson was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Noblesville where he served on various boards. In addition, he was a member of the Columbia Club, Harbour Trees Golf Course, Cypress Lake Country Club, American Legion and the Noblesville Elks Club. In 1956 Manson was named Noblesville’s “Man of the Year” by the Jaycees.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 2051 Monument Street, Noblesville, or to the charity of your choice.
Condolences: www.randallroberts.com
