Final Salute

GENE ELLIS MANN, 84, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, at his home. Born Aug. 19, 1938, in Fort Wayne, he was a son of the late Darrel J. and Margaret G. (Woods) Mann. After graduating from Elmhurst High School, Gene went on to proudly serve his country as a Seabee in the United States Navy. He was stationed in Rota, Spain. After serving his time in the military, Gene worked in the axel and transmission division of International Harvester as a tool and die maker for 27 and a half years. He also served as a police officer with the Fort Wayne police reserves and was an active member of the Allen County Civil Defense Organization. Gene was a member of the American Legion Post 0777. He was an avid reader, movie buff, and loved collecting toy trains. He even traveled the country by train. Gene also was an active amateur ham radio operator with the call sign of WA9FVY. He participated in several transmitter hunts during his time as an operator. Gene is survived by his daughter, Barbara (Phil) Sorg; son, Robert Mann; three grandchildren, Sydnie White, Kyden Mann and Shayle Mann; five great-grandchildren, Blayd, Journy, Mary Gene, Maverick, and Oliver; sister, Shirley Imel; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mary L. Mann; and brothers, Earl Mann and Nelson Mann. A Celebration of Life servied is 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne (IN 46809), with visitation from noon to 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gene’s memory may be made to the Poe Volunteer Fire Department and The Heartbeat of Hoagland Foundation. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Mann family may be shared at www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com