Francis McManus

Longtime Durango resident, Francis "Fran" McManus died of natural causes on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Four Corners Health Center in Durango, surrounded by his family. He was 71.

Mr. McManus was born to Frank McManus and Helen (Carmody) McManus in Chicago, IL on November 11, 1939. He graduated from Loyola High School, Chicago IL, in 1957 as president of his class. He graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH in 1961. Mr. McManus achieved his MBA from Xavier University in 1962. While in Chicago, he worked as an economic analyst for United Airlines and Illinois Bell. He also wrote for the advertising department of the Chicago Tribune.

In 1962, he married Barbara "Bobbie" Becklenberg in Winnetka, IL. In 1969, he relocated his family to Durango, CO.
For ten years, he was the managing partner of the Durango Inn on Highway 160. During the 1970's, they hosted many of the movie crews that were making westerns in the Four Corners area. In 1972, Fran appeared in the film "When the Legends Die" with Richard Widmark. Many locals will remember the shows he performed every weekend at the Durango Inn with his wife and six children, "The Durango Kids."

He taught economics, counseled students, and was the Director of Conference and Institutes at Fort Lewis College for 7 years. In 1987, he opened Durango's first Subway franchise. Mr. McManus was a lifelong educator and avid reader. He was very passionate about politics and always ready to discuss current events. Fran was known for his kindness and generosity to his employees, friends, and the community.

Mr. McManus was preceded in death by his son Danny McManus. They spent many days together cheering on Notre Dame's Fighting Irish.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbie McManus, of Durango; daughters Mayme McManus of Denver, CO; Kathleen McManus of Durango; sons Francis X. McManus of Durango, Mick McManus of Golden, CO; Patrick McManus of Durango, CO; and seven grandchildren: Haley, Rylie, Jake, Shea, Madelyn, Angela and Aileen.

Rosary will be held at St. Columba Church at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 17th, 2011. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2011 at St. Columba Church, immediately followed by internment at Greenmount Cemetery.