08/28/2026
Gov. Brad Little commented today on the passing of Maj. Gen. Darrell Manning, a remarkable Idahoan, patriot, and public servant who dedicated his life to serving his state and nation.
General Manning served as Idaho’s Adjutant General and commander of the Idaho National Guard from 1985 to 1995, leading with vision and an unwavering commitment to the men and women under his command. His leadership helped modernize Idaho’s military forces and strengthened the training capabilities that continue to serve our state and nation today. His legacy remains visible at Gowen Field and throughout the Idaho National Guard. Manning was a 41-year military veteran and served as Idaho’s senior military official until his retirement in 1995.
General Manning’s commitment to public service extended far beyond his military career. A veteran pilot who flew more than 65 different types of aircraft, he served in the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Idaho National Guard. He also served four terms in the Idaho House of Representatives and one term in the Idaho Senate.
Throughout his career, Manning answered the call to serve Idaho in some of its most important institutions. He led the Idaho Transportation Department, the Idaho Transportation Board, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, the Division of Financial Management, the Idaho Military Division and Bureau of Disaster Services, now the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, and he served on the State Board of Education. His service spanned six gubernatorial administrations, reflecting the trust and confidence placed in him by leaders from across Idaho.
“Idaho has been extraordinarily blessed by the unparalleled service of General Darrell Manning. Like the Idaho governors who came before me, I have relied on his wisdom, sound judgment, and unwavering dedication to our state. For more than 60 years, he has served and advised Idaho’s governors with distinction. His record of service is remarkable, and he has never shied away from a difficult assignment or a challenge that demanded the very best of his leadership. Time and again, when Idaho needed someone with impeccable credentials, steady leadership, and a deep commitment to serving others, General Manning answered the call. I am deeply honored to have benefited from his wise counsel and friendship, and I am profoundly grateful for all he has done for Idaho,” Governor Little said.
“General Manning devoted his life to serving Idaho and our nation, and his impact on the Idaho National Guard is immeasurable,” said Maj. Gen. Timothy Donnellan, adjutant general of Idaho. “He was a leader who understood that the strength of the Guard comes from its people, and he worked tirelessly to make the organization better for those who follow him. We stand on the foundation he helped build, and we are grateful for his leadership, his friendship and his extraordinary example of service.”
General Manning believed in building strong institutions, developing those around him and leaving Idaho better than he found it. Generations of Idaho Soldiers, Airmen and public servants benefited from his leadership, and his influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
We extend our deepest condolences to General Manning’s family, friends, former colleagues and the many Idahoans who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him. We are grateful for his extraordinary life of service and leadership, and we will remember him as a true Idaho patriot who answered the call to serve his country and his state.
