Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Dr. Ronald "Ron" Eugene Manahan, of Winona Lake, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Nov. 30, 2025. An author, lecturer, educator and leader, he faithfully served Grace College & Theological Seminary in Winona Lake as its president for 20 years from 1993 to 2013. His presidency was transformative for the community and the college.
He was born on Feb. 17, 1943, in Paw Paw, Ill., to Myra Wells Manahan and Euil Franklin Manahan. Ron was the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Paw Paw High School. He then attended and graduated from Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music (now part of Cornerstone University). There, he met and married classmate Barbara Jean Campbell on July 18, 1964. They were blessed to share 52 wonderful years of marriage before she passed away on Jan. 13, 2017. Ron later earned his bachelor's degree from Shelton College (Cape May, N.J.). He then graduated with a Master of Theology and a Doctor of Theology from Grace Theological Seminary.
Shortly after he graduated from Grace Theological Seminary in 1970, he and Barbara moved to Orland, where he became a pastor at a local church of about 40 people. After 13 months leading that church, he grew their congregation to 200 believers. Dr. Manahan joined the faculty of Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music, where he taught in the Bible Department for five years. In 1977, Dr. Manahan moved to Winona Lake to chair the Bible and Philosophy Department at Grace College. He ultimately became Grace's academic dean in 1985, the vice president for Academic Affairs in 1987, and Grace's first provost in 1990. He was appointed president in 1993. Dr. Manahan was instrumental in building strong connections with the Warsaw and Winona Lake communities, culminating in obtaining funding to build the Orthopedic Capital Center. This classroom, chapel and athletic space for Grace, completed in 2007, was a testament to the strong relationships he built with community leaders. Upon his retirement from Grace College and Theological Seminary, this space was named the Ronald and Barbara Manahan Orthopedic Capital Center (MOCC). Until his death, he continued to pastor at the First Baptist Church of Oswego.
Dr. Manahan was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; and five of his six siblings. He is survived by his wife of nearly seven years, Lisa Sand Manahan; his sister, Pat Lawson; his two children, Dr. Kelly Manahan (Dr. John Geisler) and Nate Manahan; and stepson, Brian Zachary Sand; as well as eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom loved him dearly.
Visitation will be held at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20. Dr. Manahan's life will be celebrated at the Ron and Barbara Manahan Orthopedic Capital Center, 610 Wooster Road, Winona Lake, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21 and officiated by Rev. Les Lofquist. A private burial service will take place at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw.
Memorial donations may be directed to the First Baptist Church of Oswego, 2985 E. Church St., Warsaw, IN 46582; and the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams at Grace College, 1 Lancer Way, Winona Lake, IN 46590.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
