Dr. Chris Edward Manschreck, affectionately known as “Doc” or “Doctor”, 75, of Krebs, Oklahoma, passed away on May 17, 2024 surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer. Chris, a beloved brother, uncle, friend and esteemed Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine dedicated his life to serving, helping and caring for others.
Born February 15, 1949, Chris was the youngest of six-children of Fred and Ruby Manschreck. Chris graduated from McAlester High School and then from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Masters in Public Health. He obtained his Doctor of Osteopathic degree from the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Chris had a distinguished career in medicine, starting with a rotating internship at Martin Place Hospital in Madison Heights, Michigan. Chris then returned to McAlester and opened a family practice specializing in geriatric medicine for over four decades. He was a staff physician at McAlester Regional Health Center, Board Certified by the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice and actively involved in various medical associations. He also served as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and was a volunteer Medical Director for Hospice of McAlester for many years.
As a family practitioner, Chris touched countless lives in southeastern Oklahoma. He provided compassionate and comprehensive care to his patients, devoting his undivided attention and time to each individual he treated. His commitment to his patients went beyond his extensive medical expertise; he built lasting friendships with the families he served, earning their trust and gratitude. There was never a day his office was not adorned with specialty items from his patients such as honey, baked goods, jams, or homegrown vegetables.
Chris took pride in living on the family homestead where he raised cattle with help from the “real” cowboys in the family and the C&M Cattle Company. Chris was an avid thoroughbred horse racing enthusiast and loved going to racetracks throughout the country from the east coast to the west coast and all of his local favorites in-between. He was also very proud of his stakes winner, Strappado.
Chris had a big personality, never met a stranger and loved to dance. These traits made him the life of every party. He never said no to the next adventure and was always ready for travel including trips throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico and South America. Closer to home, his travels often involved cheering on his beloved teams—the OU Sooners and St. Louis Cardinals, or whichever family member was playing a game.
Above all, Chris adored his family and friends. Thanksgiving and Easter were favorite holidays because they provided him with grand opportunities for one of his favorite activities—bulk cooking. His recipes were never measured—it was always “a little bit of this or a bunch of that” with many taste tests which always made cooking with him fun. Turkey and dressing, chiffon, deviled eggs, and homemade sausage were just a few of his specialties.
Chris is survived by his sisters Charlotte Cantrell and Lou Harper, brothers-in-law Eddie Harper and Jim Malone, nieces and nephews Leah Wiseman, Leroy and Cindy Cantrell, Fred and Debbie Workman, Donna and Terry Oliver, Charlotte Lee and Mike Holman, Tracy and Donnie Boatwright, Buddy Malone, Ashley Harper, McKenna Harper, first-cousins Pete Manschreck, Lauren Lee and Sarah Hutchison, many great-nieces, great-nephews, and special friends who loved him dearly.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Ruby Manschreck, sisters Sue Malone, Peggy Gravitt, Jonnye Workman and Jean Ann Lee, brothers-in-law Homer Cantrell, Buddy Workman, nephews Lew Gravitt, Jack Wiseman and nieces Kelly Malone Corbin and Kim Gravitt Marlar.
Chris’ lasting legacy will be his generosity to his family and the example he set by working hard, playing hard and not letting others define you.
The family would like to thank Chris’ long-time nurse, Nancy Crownover, Mitchell Manor Nursing Home and Hospice of McAlester for their tender loving care they provided to our Doctor.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Hospice of McAlester and/or their favorite charity in Chris’ name.
May he rest in peace, his memory cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a date and location to be announced in the future.
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