Carol Jean Manczuk

Carol Jean (Watkins) Manczuk, 78, passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, just 5 days after her mother passed.

She was born on January 12, 1947, in Pryor, Oklahoma, to Waymond and Irene (Brown) Watkins. She grew up in Pryor and Tulsa and graduated from Will Rogers High School. She received a scholarship to play piano at Murray State College in Tishomingo, where she met Barry Buchanan. They got married in 1968.

Music was her passion. As a child she was hesitant to learn to play an instrument, but with her mother’s encouragement she became a master piano player. After her kids were grown, she played piano and organ for weddings, funerals and church services, most recently at St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield.

Preceded in death by her parents, Waymond Watkins and Irene Hahn; and former husbands, Barry Buchanan and Casimer Manczuk.

She is survived by her daughter Melanie Bishop (Mike) and son Greg; brother Jim Watkins (Tamara); sister Susie Steele (Leroy); 4 grandchildren, Norrin, Amber, Abbey and Allison Bishop; and 6 great-grandchildren. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Carol's Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am on Friday, August 8, 2025 at St. Agnes Cathedral, 533 S. Jefferson Avenue in Springfield, Missouri.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com