Nicholas Joe McManama , 79, of Columbia City, a quiet, unassuming man, died unexpectedly at his home at 5:35 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

He was born on June 14, 1946, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the late Don and Betty (Juillerat) McManama. He grew up in Washington Township, Whitley County, and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1964.  Following his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB and served special duty in Okinawa, Guam, and Thailand during the Vietnam War.  He worked as a mechanic on B-52's in the Strategic Air Command.

On December 10, 1966, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Mary Frances Johnson.  They made their home in the Columbia City area, raising three children.

He worked at International Harvester in Fort Wayne, transferring to Springfield, Ohio, after the Fort Wayne Assembly Plant closed.  He retired from Navistar with over 40 years of service.  A farmer at heart, he farmed with his dad in Washington Township throughout his life.  After retiring, he began driving for Whitley County Transit and was recently awarded a Master Driver designation.

Nick was an avid gardener.  He loved cultivating flowers and vegetables, giving most away and passing this trait on to his children and grandchildren.  He also loved working in his yard. He was a keen reader of history and studied Spanish in his spare time. He really enjoyed all family activities with all his grandchildren, especially when he got to hear his grandson playing in a band.  He never missed an opportunity to hear him.  He was most at home when he was serving, finding his greatest joy in helping those in need.  Whether through organized charity or simple, quiet acts of service, he was always willing to help anyone who crossed his path, regardless of their circumstances.

Surviving are his loving wife of 59 years, Mary; children, Joseph (Clariza) McManama of Warsaw, Jeremy McManama of Auburn, and Abbe (Josh) Davison, of Columbia City; grandchildren, James (Hannah Koenaman) McManama, Dylan McManama, Hallie McManama, and Skylar and Jaxon Davison; sisters, Marsha Cartwright of LaOtto and Cheryl (Steve) Hollenbaugh of Columbia City.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday (March 8th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will be at the Nolt Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Nick's honor are to The Humane Society of Whitley County.