Drew Edward Ross Manko of Eighty Four, PA passed away peacefully at home on his farm, his
very favorite place on Earth, after a short illness. Drew was born May 2, 1995 to Amy Ross
(Phillips) Manko and Wade Braden. He was adopted at age 12 by Scott A Manko, who
preceded him in death. He is the grandson of Gary and Sharon Braden and great-grandson of
Thomas Braden, all of Sun City Center, Florida. He was also preceded in death by his maternal
grandparents, Edward H and Marjorie Ross Phillips and adoptive grandfather Charles A
Manko. In addition to his mother Amy Manko (John Powell), he is survived by his beloved
partner, Riley Carter and his three sweet dogs Rosebud, Daisy and Katja.
He was a 2013 graduate of Washington High School, where he was active in music programs,
Gifted & Talented competitions, and appeared on "Hometown High-Q".
Drew was a lifelong Boy Scout, starting as a Tiger Cub and achieving the Eagle Scout rank
before making a career as District Scout Executive for Washington and Greene Counties in the
Laurel Highlands District of Scouting America.
On Mondays you could find him working the dock and sorting animals at 84 Auction, where he
was known for his kindness, friendliness and compassion to both consignors and animals alike.
He also was a fixture at many of the local Farmers Markets including Lawrenceville, Bethel Park
and Squirrel Hill, where he was known for not only his high quality meats and wool yarn, but
also his friendly and helpful demeanor, knowledgeability and commitment to quality local
products. He is also the former owner of Farmers & Friends Marketplace in Downtown
Washington, which closed in 2023.
Mr Manko was also very involved in Freemasonry, as a member of both Sunset Lodge #237 of
Washington, PA and the Pittsburgh Consistory where he received his 32nd degree.
He also served on the Board of Directors of the Washington County Farm Bureau, serving that
organization as the Young Farmers and Ranchers (and later Young Agricultural Professionals)
Chair for both the county and the state.His passion for agriculture and helping to shape and
encourage youth was felt through his dedication to policy change and promotion during his
terms. He was also a big supporter of the 4H Market sale at Washington County Fair.
Drew's presence was most felt in the local community where he worked tirelessly to promote
both Washington County and the field of Agriculture, helping to found The Running of The
Wools, a two day event in Downtown Washington which celebrates the strong historic and
cultural significance of the wool industry in the county. He also helped found the Market at the
Park, a Farmers Market held monthly on Saturdays with Riley. Drew was a guest on "Laid Back
HIstory" with Clay Kilgore and was a historian all of his life. His mother served on the Board of
Directors of Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation when he was an infant and by
the time he was 3, he was an honorary voting member of the Board as well.
Drew was also a lifelong rail enthusiast, celebrating many birthdays on a scenic railroad
somewhere with his family and friends. Visiting Walt Disney World and the draft horse barn was
his happy place, and adopted several retirees from the Disney horse program. He loved his
horses and sheep, owning Percherons, Clydesdales and multiple breeds of heritage and rare
breeds of sheep. He loved Cheviot and Jacob sheep best.
Over his short lifetime, he received multiple accolades and awards, but he was most proud of
his Eagle Scout and the 2023 Northrop Occupational Excellence Award from the Washington
Rotary, which he received for his work advocating for young farmers, eating local and promoting
farm fresh foods.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm
with a 7:30pm Masonic service.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 23 at
11:00am, with Internment at Washington Cemetery overlooking the town he loved so much.
Attendees are encouraged to drive their tractors in a procession honoring his devotion to the
field of Agriculture from the funeral to the graveside, as the Lone Pine Fire Company's Tractor
Poker Run was always his favorite annual event and he won't get to attend this year.

Memorial Donations in Drew's name may be made to the family to help with farm expenses or to the Washington County Historical Society.