Hugh (Howie) Carolton Manker, age 84, of Lynchburg, Ohio, died peacefully at home shile surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday evening, February 20, 2013.  Howie is survived by his wife, Libby, three children, Vicki, Bill (Cathy), Beth (Don), and five grandchildren, Eric (Angel), Jeremy, Josh (Becky), Amanda (Brian), and Suzy (Bryan).  He is also survived by eleven great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley J. and Charlene (Miler) Manker.

Howie had a fun-loving and humorous personality and led a very interesting and colorful life.  He had a particular gift for music and entertainment.  He was known for his dance band "Hugh Manker and His Stardusters", He dearly loved performing and was truly exceptional at it.

Aside from his passion for music, Hugh's career evolved as a technical expert with American Cyanamid and Formica.  When Cyanamid wanted to expand their market share in other countries, they asked him to move his family to Brazil.  While there, Hugh helped expand the use of Formica into ceilings, walls, and furniture.  He personally solved the adhesive issues that led the city of Sao Paolo to incorporate Formica into their subway terminals and cover all walls with Formica panels.  Most remain to this day.

His success in Brazil let to assignments in Venezuela, Columbia, Mexico and Taiwan.  In each country, Hugh and his family embraced the local people, culture, language and cuisine.  Hugh quickly became multi-lingual and over time was conversant in Portuguese, Spanish and Chinese.

Following their world travels, they chose to retire and return to their beloved family and friends in Ohio.  Hugh will always be remembered for his fun-loving nature and sense of humor.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at Davis-Turner Funeral Home, 201 Broadway St. Lynchburg, Ohio followed by the memorial service at 3:00 p.m. with Paul Carpenter officiaiting.  For more information or to sign the on-line register, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc