Our Staff

Colonial Funeral Home was started by Leon Manning and Jared Clinger in October of 1992.  The community of Pocatello was soon able to see the compassion, understanding, and level of service offered at Colonial Funeral Home was unparalleled.  We believe personal service and attention to the needs of the family are our most important responsibilities.  Today, our diverse staff of professionals continues to provide families the professional service they expect and the personal care they deserve.

OUR STAFF ...

Leon Manning, Funeral Director/Founder

Leon Manning

Leon is the co-founder of Colonial Funeral Home.  Leon Manning has enjoyed serving the Pocatello community since the early 1950's.  Leon treasures the relationships he has established over the last 55 years in funeral service.  He feels a kinship to every family, assisting them through their personal loss.  Leon and son-in-law, Jared Clinger, became business partners when they co-founded Colonial Funeral Home in October of 1992.  Leon continues to support and mentor the staff and still appreciates the close contacts made after a lifetime of helping people.

Leon and his wife Gwen love to visit their children and grandchildren.  They reside in Pocatello.

Jared Clinger, Funeral Director/Embalmer & Founder/Owner

Jared and Michelle Clinger

Jared is the co-founder of Colonial Funeral Home.  He attended and graduated from Mt. Hood Community College in funeral service in 1991.  In 1992, Jared and Leon fouded the funeral home.  Jared thoroughly enjoys the relationship with his father-in-law, mentor, and friend, Leon.  "I feel a deep gratitude toward Leon, our staff, and especially our client families for our friendships and for the lessons in life we learn together.  I have been blessed to witness first hand the love, compassion, courage, and healing associated with the loss of a loved one."

Jared grew up on a family farm in American Falls, Idaho.  He played basketball for Ricks College and earned an Associates Degree.  After returning from a two year mission for his church in Brazil, he married Michelle Manning and soon they became a family with five sons: Austin, Mason, Dane, Cody, and Marshall.  Jared, Michelle, and family are active in Century High School sports and their church. 

Brad Sparrow, Funeral Director/Embalmer

Brad Sparrow

Brad is the assistant manager of Colonial Funeral Home and joined the staff in 2007.  He has been in the funeral industry since 1987 and graduated from mortuary college in California.  He spent 10 years working in the Sacramento, California, area and the past 4 years in Kallispell, Montana.  Brad is excited to be back in his home town.

He was born in Preston and was raised in Pocatello and Preston.  He is married to Kathy (Beery) and they have two children: Shayla and Preston.  He is active in his church and served a two year mission in St. Louis, Missouri and Nauvoo, Illinois.  He enjoys all out door activities.  

John D. Perkes, Funeral Director/Embalmer

John D. Perkes

John is a Funeral Director at Colonial Funeral Home and joined the staff in May of 2006.  He is a second-generation funeral director and has grown up in a funeral home...literally.  His father has been a funeral director in the west for 30 years. John has wanted to be a funeral director since the first grade and his first job in a funeral home was dusting the chairs in the chapel for a penny each.  He graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and is very excited to finally be a licensed mortician.

J.O. Cotant, Funeral Assistant

J.O. Cotant

J.O. is a funeral assistant for Colonial Funeral Home and has been working with the staff and families we serve for over a year. Prior to coming to our funeral home, J.O. was a building contractor, involved in farming and ranching, and also spent 10 years as the Bannock County Commissioner.

J.O. has been married to Kathy Cotant for 42 years. He credits a successful marriage to figuring out 25 years ago that Kathy is right all the time. Ever since then it has been marital bliss. They have 4 grown boys, 7 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. The Cotants reside in Tyhee.

Kathy Cotant, Funeral Assistant

Kathy Cotant

Kathy is a funeral assistant for Colonial Funeral Home and has been working with us for over a year. Prior to coming to the funeral home she worked for West Clinic and for the past 15 years worked as an office manager in a dental office.

Kathy is married to J.O. Cotant and is a mother of 4 boys. They also have 7 grandchildren and 1 (soon to be 2) great-grandchildren. Kathy has lived in the Bannock County all of her life and has enjoyed being active in her church and community. The Cotants live in Tyhee.

Brian Richardson, Funeral Assistant

Brian Richardson

Brian is a funeral assistant and has worked part-time for Colonial Funeral Home off and on since the founding of the business.  Brian spends his days working for the Pocatello School District in the maintenance department as a locksmith.  At the funeral home, he answers the phone in the evening and assists with funeral services on the weekend.   

Brian was raised in the Inkom area and has spent his adult life in Pocatello.  He served a 2 year mission for his church in Ontario, Canada.  Brian and his wife Marianne have 4 children and 4 grandchildren.  They reside in Pocatello.

Scott Olson, Advanced Planning

Scott Olson

Scott Olson is the after-care director and pre-need specialist at Colonial Funeral Home. He helps people pre-arrange funerals and also helps families after a loss with financial questions and the needed paperwork. He joined the staff in July of 2010 and brings over 30 years experience in helping people succeed financially. He was born in Portland Oregon and completed his education at Mount Hood Community College and the University of Oregon in Business Management before moving to Utah. Most of the 30 years have been in Eastern Idaho which he calls home.Previously, Scott has been in Banking and Finance industry as a loan officer, branch manager, district manager and financial advisor for American Express. Scott has been evolved in his community serving in Lion’s club, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, School Board, City Council, Gem Community Team, Economic Development Boards, Oregon California Trail Center and Boy Scouts.Scott is married at Ann and they have one son, four daughters and 11 grandchildren. He is excited about serving people in the area.