Michael Wayne Manes, 65, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 17, 2016, at Providence Hospice Place at St. Catherine's. Mike ultimately lost his battle from complications due to cancer. Mike was born to Buel and Frances Manes on October 20, 1951 in Marlin, Texas. Growing up, Mike had an affinity for building and discovering how things worked. Whether it be science projects, home projects, or automobiles, he could invent it, repair it or destruct it. One of his main interests in high school was shop, for which he apprenticed under a local mechanic and learned everything there was to know about engines, alignments, and the mechanical workings of automobiles. Throughout adulthood, his professional interests turned into a hobby through stock car racing. On weekends, he could regularly be found at the dirt track in Elm Mott. Besides his hobby, he spent his life working on cars in Waco and Marlin. He could fix anything. Characteristically, Mike was tough physically and mentally, fiercely independent, comical, and definitely ornery. He was a fun-timing guy in his youth and adulthood. He said his greatest joy was his "three lovely daughters." Never a minute's peace, Mike spent his entire life responding to their every need, and a needy bunch they were. Whether a blown engine on Highway 14 near Kosse or a flat tire on the way to college, his daughters were always his first priority. He went through two decades of checking curfews, scaring boyfriends, fulfilling their wants, attending horse shows, softball games, tennis matches, parent/teacher conferences, and ceremonies of all kinds. He raised them to be strong and independent women. Needless to say, he was close to his daughters but also to his mother, Frances, until the end of his life. He was preceded in death by his father, Buel Manes. Survivors include his mother, Frances Manes of Marlin, his three daughters, Jana Dulock of Marlin, Lynne Kilman of Fairfield, and Melanie Bhateley and husband Dileep Bhateley of Marlin. Mike had four grandchildren: Brent Manes, Cody Windham, Clay Crane, and Abigail Kilman, and one great-grandson, Jaxson Windham. He is also survived by his brother John Manes and wife Pauline of Houston.Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation service on Monday, December 19, 2016 from 5-7 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home in Marlin and the funeral service on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery in Marlin.