Harold Maness Pickleball Legend Journey: At 98 years old, Harold Maness of Webster Groves, Missouri, continues to inspire with his energetic lifestyle. A World War II veteran and pickleball enthusiast, Maness built a rich life around family, sports, and travel. Even after an injury ended his pickleball games, he remains active and optimistic.
From Tennis to Pickleball Passion
Harold Maness started playing pickleball in 2012 when the sport arrived in St. Louis. A former tennis and golf player, he quickly shifted his focus entirely to pickleball due to its relaxed and social atmosphere.
“You’ll sit there a couple of minutes waiting for your next turn, and during that time is where the sociability part comes in. You will constantly be talking to somebody right beside you waiting their turn and gradually picking up new friends,” (Harold Maness).
He became known in local circles as “The Pickleball Legend,” mostly for his age rather than his skill.
“It took three or four years to be called a legend, but eventually it was tacked on,”.
Playing Tournaments and Making Memories
Harold Maness played at gyms throughout St. Louis, sometimes twice a day.
“That’s what you call an addictive passion,”
He said.He took part in many tournaments and often played with younger partners.
Two years ago, he won two gold medals at the Franklin County Silver Games. One was in Men’s Doubles with a 79-year-old partner, and the other in Mixed Doubles with an 84-year-old woman.
In 2020, he was invited to the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Florida. Though the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the invite showed his level of play.
“I was not just some fluky pickleballer. I was pretty good for my age,” (Harold Maness).
Later, an injury caused by a fall during play ended his time on the court.
“I had an awful time getting in rhythm and getting back to normal,”.
Still, he visits the gyms and friends he met during his playing years.
“It is so much fun keeping up with all those friends,”.
Family, Service, and Career
Harold Maness was married to Shirley Maness for 65 years until her death in 2015. They had three children — Mark Maness, Lesley Maness, and the late Hal Maness. He has four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, spending a year in Okinawa. After returning home, he studied in college and worked at Western Auto and later Arthur Fulmer as a salesman.
Hobbies That Kept Him Moving
Harold Maness enjoys learning and trying new things. He took up upholstery in his 60s and even painting in his 90s.
“I said, ‘What the heck, let me give it a try!’ I did it for about six months and I enjoyed it, and I’ve got a couple of nice pictures hanging on my wall right now,”(Harold Maness).
He also began writing stories during the pandemic. He has now written more than 100 pages of personal stories for future generations.
Adventures Around the World and in the Sky
In 2024, Harold Maness went on a 12-day safari in Africa with his son Mark Maness. They visited Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to watch the Great Migration.
At age 92, inspired by former President George H.W. Bush, Harold Maness went skydiving for the first time.
“At the time, all I could remember was I said, ‘I could do that!’”. “A few years later, finally I got around to it and I did it.”
After his jump, he returned to EverTrue Laclede Groves to share photos and videos.
“The typical comment was, ‘You’re crazy!’ People don’t do that at 92,”. “So I accept that as a compliment.”
Kristina Wille, the director of community enrichment at EverTrue Laclede Groves, praised him:
“At 98 years old, Harold is what I would call a ‘Super Ager’ senior because he takes on challenges and adventures that others may see as impossible at their age like skydiving at 92,
playing pickleball, going on African safaris and whatever else he may think is interesting at the time.”
News in Brief: Harold Maness Pickleball Legend Journey
Harold Maness, a 98-year-old World War II veteran from Missouri, built a full life around sports, family, and adventure. Known as “The Pickleball Legend,” he played until an injury at 97. Now retired, he spends time painting, writing, traveling, and staying active—living proof that age is just a number.
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