Loss of a City Judge
Judge William Manger
I want to thank the City of Oklahoma City for making Project 180 so confusing that I ended up with a $50 ticket I had to contest in court. This is not sarcasm. It is a genuine moment of appreciation.
Confused?
Friendships are an odd thing. You get to know someone, and then you go different directions in life, and a friendship ends up more like an acquaintance. You don’t mean it to happen. It just does. And when you meet up on the sadly rare occasion, you have a lot to catch up on, and you walk away wondering why you hadn’t kept in touch.
Such was the case with Bill Manger, who I first got to know when I was a cub reporter just making my mark covering the crime beat in the early 1990s. There was an opening on the Crime Stoppers Board, and I already had an idea of ripping off an idea I had seen in the Dallas Morning News of running a weekly “Most Wanted” feature (there’s now a local tabloid dedicated to just that). I was invited onto the board by Roger Wagnon, who was then in charge of the OCPD’s Crime Stoppers office. It was then that I met Bill, who was an attorney with the old Western Electric plant (I think it was AT&T at that point). He was a good guy, devoted to his community, and I enjoyed grabbing coffee with him after some of the meetings. He later became a city judge, and in 2003 he was asked to take over what had become a mess of a municipal court as presiding judge. Bill took on the task, and note that the operation has been free of any controversy ever since.
Bill and I would always enjoy catching up when we ran into each over the past several years – but it was always by happenstance. And when it was time to plead my ticket (City Manager Jim Couch even suggested I do so), it was pure random luck that the judge hearing my case was none other than Bill. I plead “no contest,” explained the confusing situation with unmarked parking spots on unfinished Project 180 streets, and he kindly reduced my ticket from $50 to $20 in open court. His friendliness and reasonableness was not just directed at me – as I waited my turn in his courtroom, I saw him kindly and respectfully greet each and every visitor to his courtroom (I say visitors, because for Bill, no one was a defendant really – they were all guests with unpleasant business awaiting to be addressed). Away from the courtroom, Bill and I visited and talked about downtown’s transformation. We talked about the plans for construction of a new court building. I spoke excitedly, of course, when I realized he didn’t know about Retro Metro OKC, and I urged him to visit the site and look at the old photos of the city.
This was two weeks ago. Bill died overnight as his city was celebrating the Thunder triumphing over the Dallas Mavericks in the first games of the NBA playoffs. That $20 ticket was well worth the chance to see my old friend one last time. And if I had known his days were limited, I’d gladly pay $50 or more to have had the chance to enjoy one last cup of coffee with his honor.
After searching Oklahoman archives, this story by co-worker Don Mecoy best captures Bill’s service to our city:
Busy court dockets help judge feel the love for his vocation
By Don Mecoy
Business Writer
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Municipal Judge William J. Manger is in his element, attired in a black robe, seated before a television set and camera presiding over video arraignments of prisoners housed in the Oklahoma County jail.
“I’m not very popular today,” Manger said, as yet another stone-faced inmate walked off-screen without acknowledging the judge’s comments.
Manger tells an inmate charged with assault and battery that he can post bail or stay in jail until his court date. The man shakes his head and stalks off camera.
“We didn’t tell him what he wanted to hear,” Manger said.
Harold, an older inmate who has appeared so frequently before Manger that the judge addresses him by his first name, says he will serve jail time at a rate of $75 per day to cover his fine. Told he’ll get out on July 3 or July 4, Harold replies, “What day is this?”
“We’ll see you next time,” Manger said as Harold departs.
“He’ll be back on the fifth,” the judge said.
Finally, a woman who has spent two days in jail expresses gratitude when Manger dismisses part of a traffic fine so she can go free immediately.
“God bless you, sir,” she said.
“There it is,” Manger said. “Now we’re feeling the love.”
Manger’s humor is limited to comments between arraignments, which he takes seriously. But his enthusiasm for the work is evident.
“I love this job. I enjoy coming to work every day because no day is the same as the day before,” he said.
Manger has been an Oklahoma City municipal judge for more than five years and has been the presiding judge since 2003. He was hired by and answers to the Oklahoma City Council.
The presiding judge shoulders more administrative duties than the other municipal judges and needs to able to communicate effectively with staff members and city council members, who regularly check on cases, Manger said.
“We’re as good as support personnel, and we have an outstanding support group from our employees in court administration, and they are to be commended for the work that they do on an everyday basis for all the judges and the public,” Manger said.
The most serious cases municipal judges handle are called “jury division” cases and include offenses such as driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana possession, and assault and battery.
The court’s busy dockets are filled with contested traffic violations and defendants who have failed to pay fines.
Manger, 61, said he hasn’t become jaded by the routine, which can involve up to 200 cases per day.
“You need to recognize that we live in a diverse city, and when a defendant comes into your courtroom, you have to understand that this may be their very first encounter with the legal system, and you have to be patient with defendants in front of you who aren’t represented (by an attorney),” he said.
Manger said he most enjoys dealing with the public and offered this tale to illustrate:
A woman in her 80s, when asked by Manger for her plea, responded: “Guilty, sonny.”
“I said, ‘Ma’am, I appreciate that. You’ve been very honest. You’re not wasting the court’s time, and you’re certainly not in contempt because maybe I am young enough to be your son. So let me give you the minimum fine in this case,’ ” Manger said.
But that’s not to say that Manger can’t be stern.
In one instance, a defendant who already had been granted extensions to pay a fine was seeking more time. When Manger asked why she was unable to pay the city, the defendant said the money was spent on her bill for cable TV.
“My clerk didn’t even wait; she just dialed for the marshal,” he said. “So they had the option to either pay or stay (in jail) at the rate of $75 a day. When I send someone with the marshal, they’ve pretty much tested everybody’s patience.”
About 90 percent of defendants pay their fines or bond when offered the choice of “pay or stay,” Manger said.
Manger definitely feels the love when it comes to his vocation.
“I have absolutely no desire to go anywhere else but right here and end my career here as long they’ll have me,” he said.
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Comments
Thank you for a wonderfully painted picture of a very kind spirit, our Judge William Manger. He will truly be missed! Always with a smile on his face and a great attitude everyday, all day long!
Whenever you would see him or hear his voice, it was always with such joy and a shared laugh or two.
Thank you so much for your kind words about my father. They are much appreciated. He is deeply loved and missed
I have had the pleasure of working with this fine man. He could make my worst day turning out to be a better day for just knowing him. Every life he touched he left behind something positive with you and his contagious smile caught on around the office.
He is well known for his nicknames he gave those in the office. All of his courtroom stories and baseball! The man loved baseball. To say he is going to be greatly missed is such an understatement because he left such a void behind in our office.
Your honor you will be missed by one and all, rest in peace.
I’ve worked w/ Judge Manger for the past year and a half. He is the kindest man I’ve ever know and an all around GOOD man. I will miss him dearly.
Thank you Don MeCoy for wrighting a fantastic article.
My heart is grieved. Judge Manger was a great man and a wonderful judge. He always took time to listen to each “visitor” and he dealt with them compassionately. It was evident that he truly loved his work. I am praying for his family and coworkers, as I know they have a void in their hearts today. He will be dearly missed.
Judge Manger was a great judge and an even better human being. It was a pleasure each and every time to be in his courtroom. He was patient, compassionate, and above all respectful of others. The City has lost one of the good ones!
Thank you for such a sweet and accurate representation of the man I love. He truly loved his job and the joy he showed was 100% genuine.
He was a great man. And the only one to ever get away with calling me ”Kid” every time he saw me. I will miss him dearly.
I have never known a man to love his job as much as he did. His stories will forever live on, he will be missed greatly. Love and prayers to his family and BABE
My heart is just broken, I was so shocked and saddened, you were just in my office several times on Monday….you will always be “MY” Judge, my friend, my advice giver, my second dad. I cherish every time we had sit down chats, about work or life. You always knew what to say. As I sit in my office and look at all the post cards pinned around the wall that you sent me from all your trips I am reminded how full of life you were, and how much I meant to you. I am so proud to say I was the Presiding Judges clerk for 5 years and I truly loved every minute of it. I just want to go knock on your office door and hear you say come in Double L and sit and chat for a while. Barbara, Emily, Kenny, Dalton, Reid, Jay and Alison I am SO sorry for your loss, he was like a dad to me and he will be FOREVER LOVED AND MISSED. Steve Lackmeyer, thanks for writing this article, My dad Roger Wagnon was there when you were introduced to this great man.
It was a privilege to call Bill Manger my friend for over three decades. He was a fantastic person and as a judge was respected by all.
You truly caught his spirit. He was a wonderful person to work with. His compassion and laughter were only part of what made him such a joy to be around. He had nicknames for most of us that worked with him and it was always a joy to see him.
Thank you for this article about my father. He will be truly missed and you captured his spirit perfectly. He was one of a kind and it warms my heart to know others thought so highly of him as well.
Judge Manger was a fine judge and a great man. As a young lawyer many years ago he made me instantly confident in his courtroom and always welcomed. He knew us all by our first names when we practiced in his courtroom and I was always greeted with a genuine smile. He was compassionate with Defendants, caring and a true gentleman. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family.
One only had to walk into the Oklahoma City courthouse on Tuesday to see how loved, respected and missed Bill Manger was. Tears in everyone’s eyes and cracks in everyone’s voices. Lawyers and staff alike not only talking about how much they liked him, but how they felt he was one of the best people they knew. High praise indeed, but praise the judged had earned and deserved. May we all have half as many people say the same thing about us when we pass. RIP Judge you are already greatly missed.
I am an officer and Judge Manger was the judge I saw 90% of the time. He was always so upbeat, pleasant, and kind to everyone who was in his court room. He was the kind of man who enjoyed what he did. He would speak to defendants, witness, officers, etc in such a way that every you felt he was truely a friend.
He knew more people than I could possibly count on a first name basis… I was absolutely floored when I heard he passed away. I will truly miss his kind words, his smiling face and the smile it brought me to see him walking from the headquarters building and getting to share a conversation with him on Tuesdays.
It was my fortune to know Bill in undergraduate school when he was sort of lost in the prairie, just after he arrived from New Jersey. We were also law school classmates. A great guy, a credit to the profession. He will be missed by many.
I had the honor and pleasure of serving as Judge Manger’s bailiff until my retirement in 2004. Not only did he have no equal as a supervisor he was also my friend and, at the end, my hero. While it is irresponsible to report that he took over a “mess of a municipal court” he did bring to the bench a grace and dignity that provided a steadying influence. It’s a shame he didn’t get to see the new municipal court building but it should stand as a testament to a man who valued the spirit of the law above the letter of the law and who often tempered justice with mercy. And I’m proud of the nickname. God bless you, Judge. Scoob
I agree with all that has been said, to know him is to Love him from his contagious smile to his quick wit and great since of humor. I was fortunate enough to work with this great Judge for just a little over 1 year. He continuously encourage you in court and would often say “You are doing a fantastic job” even when you know you were not. Judge Manger you will be greatly missed. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.
I agree with all that has been said, to know him is to Love him from his contagious smile to his quick wit and great since of humor. I was fortunate enough to work with this great Judge for just a little over 1 year. He continuously encourage you in court and would often say “You are doing a fantastic job” even when you know you were not. Judge Manger you will be greatly missed. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.
Bill Manger and I rode together on the roller coaster of law school and private practice. Judge Manger then boarded the OKC judicial roller coaster for a full-time ride, while I opted for the part-time “baby coaster” in The Village. He was always the epitomy of integrity and wisdom, with a personality that was near blinding with its intensity, conviviality, concern and dedication. All of us are far better for having known and benefitted from his presence. There’s a new star in the Heavens. When you spot it you’ll know it because it will smile and wink at you. God graciously shared Bill with us but needed him at Home. s/RAM
I have had the pleasure of handling most of Mr. Manger’s personal Credit Union needs. He was the most kind, loveing, and appreciative man I have ever known…I just helped Mr. Manger on Monday, everything seemed to be fine. Before Mr. Manger left Monday, He told me that he would be in on Wednesday to do more of his usual business. We have done this business for almost 12 years together. I would always remember what to do, But Mr. Manger would still write a list out for me. I was looking forward to his visit on Wednesday, but then I got the e-mail explaining what happened. I’m truly Sorry. Mr. Manger will be extremely missed. I really just wanted to let his faimly know what a great man Mr. Manger was and that they will always be in my thoughts and prayers…
I have had the pleasure of handling most of Mr. Manger’s personal Credit Union needs. He was the most kind, loving, and appreciative man I have ever known…I just helped Mr. Manger on Monday, everything seemed to be fine. Before Mr. Manger left Monday, He told me that he would be in on Wednesday to do more of his usual business. We have done this business for almost 12 years together. I would always remember what to do, But Mr. Manger would still write a list out for me. I was looking forward to his visit on Wednesday, but then I got the e-mail explaining what happened. I’m truly sorry. Mr. Manger will be extremely missed. I really just wanted to let his family know what a great man Mr. Manger was and that they will always be in my thoughts and prayers…
Awesome! I had the privilege of working with Judge Manger for many years. I was an unofficial Court Liaison for the Development Services Department (Neighborhood Services). Every Friday I would attend court and provide updates on citations issued.
As usual Judge Manger would listen to all the explanations then render his decision. One day an elderly man appeared in court. I saw him walk slowly into the court room and take his seat. The court room was about half empty when Judge Manger called his name. The elderly man struggled to rise from his seat. Judge Manger said “Sir be seated for a moment, I will come to you” Everyone in the court took a breath and some motioned with their lips “WOW”. The Judge did something that I had never witness in my almost 30 year tenure as a City employee. He stood up from the bench and came down and sat beside the elderly man and adjudicated his case. Awesome!
I will miss you judge!! My heart goes out to all of Judge Manger’s friends and family. I have worked with Judge Manger for 10 years. I had the privilege of being his clerk for the last year. You were a complete joy to work with. You always made me feel appreciated. It was almost daily that you told me how lucky you were to have me as a clerk. I feel like the lucky one to have known you. Poker Face
WE MISS YOU JUDGE MANGER,
I too had the privilege of working alongside Judge Manger for the past 9 years as one of “his probation officers”. He was truly such a special man who had that special knack of making every person around him feel special. You always had his full attention when you needed anything, big or small, and he would gladly give you a smile, a hug, a Diet Snapple, or whatever he had to offer. His love of life, Babe, baseball, family, good times and people in general was well known by all of us. Not only was he respected by all, he was truly LOVED by all. There is an old saying that it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them but an entire lifetime to forget them. We will not forget him. My prayers are for Babe, his family and friends and all those who knew and loved him. I know he is saying hello to everyone who passed before him and I know he is giving “Pop” an ear full and they are both peacefully smiling down on the rest of us.
As an attorney who appeared regularly before Judge Manger, I was extremely sad to learn of his passing. He was a true gentlemen and it was a pleasure to practice law in his courtroom. His pleasant demeanor and integrity were a true asset to the judiciary, and he will be missed.
I did not know the judge, but I know several people, some attorneys, some not, who did know Judge Manger. They have lost a true friend and colleague. His death is a sad loss for his family, all who knew him and for Oklahoma City in general.
It feels like part of my heart is missing. You were a very special man and Judge. I will miss hearing “Good morning Mrs. Cable” with your little wave/salute every morning, hearing you sing the Bristol Stomp,your sense of humor and most of all, your laugh. You could make everyone around you smile just from hearing you laugh. You always had a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eye and I will miss you everyday. Jana aka: “Mrs. Cable”
I had the privilege of calling Judge Manger “my little buddy” for the last 12 yrs. My mind is flooded with memories of him. He was truly a blessing in my life. I loved him very much. I’ve spent many hours sitting across from him in his office, having a tastykake and a diet snapple, listening to his stories about growing up in Paterson N.J. He had the best stories…
about 11 yrs ago I gave him a few “golden oldie” cd’s. I was able to find his favorite song “the bristol stomp” we would play it at the public counter and he would dance. He didn’t care who was looking. He would get this serious look on his face and walk backwards like a robot. It kinda look like a senior citizen’s version of the moon walk. It was hilarious. He had all of us at the counter laughing.
Manger loved his job, baseball, and he loved his friends. But the love of his life was his kids, his grandkids, and a beautiful woman named Barbara “Babe” My thoughts and prayers are with them.. He was truly one of a kind and he will be greatly missed……
Good bye little buddy
thank you for your time
Tammy Sue aka Cletus
I am so very blessed to have known this wonderful man. Every time I seen him he always had something good to say.
I will truely miss his smile and sweet attitude. May God Bless his family and loved ones. And Yes Bill “I will stay on my diet.”
What do you say about someone you lost much too soon? Judge Manger was a honest man, loyal and fair. He was a wonderful Judge. He respected his court staff and all who entered his courtroom. He took the time to listen. He also made a great friend and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go to his family, friends, and to Babe. I wish he had been able to go into extra innings. Nobody will call me Mrs Scooby anymore. I hope he no longer has to listen to any country music.
Sorry to hear about his passing. The day I spent with him was delightful. He was an unpretentious, sharing person doing a job he loved.