of Marshall, AR
June 23, 1948 - December 27, 2019
Melvin "Gene" Mann, age 71 of Marshall, Arkansas passed from this life on Friday, December 27th, 2019 at his home. He was born in Pindall, Arkansas on June 23, 1948 to Henry Mann and Isabell Lola Mills Mann.
Gene was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Germany for his tour. This is where he found his love of lager. After his Honorable Discharge, he moved to New York, where he met the love of his life Ginny - and her 6 children. Gene's greatest love was for his family. He chose to be a Father to those not his own, adopting 2 of them along the way. He was always Daddy and Grandpa. His grandchildren completed him. He loved nothing more than to crawl on the floor and play with all of them as babies. As the grandchildren grew, he made sure to include them in the travels, spending a long, long day more than once in the car. He was often found giving chocolate and jellybeans to the grandchildren (against the parents wishes). Favorite quotes included "You writin a book?" "Why? Because it's a crooked letter." "I gar-on-tee!" and "So buttons for the red cross."
His life's work (other than his family) included working civil service at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, retiring from this in 2002 to Marshall. Gene and Ginny loved traveling the United States, particularly the western states, where he and his wife's ashes will be spread with the wild horses. Hobbies included sight-seeing, people watching, wood working, fishing, watching John Wayne or Jimmy Stewart movies, playing solitaire, keeping Ginny on her toes, and giving his mother-out-law a hard time.
Survivors include his children Nici Smith (Chris) of the home, Carrie Kinlaw (James) of Marshall, Debi Tomes (Rusty) of Cedartown, Georgia, Gene Zdenek (Darci) of Middleburg, Florida, Jackie Harris (Scott) of Lewisville, North Carolina and Paul Rossi of Fanning Springs, Florida. Grandchildren include Jenea` Horcher (Chris), Leah Currie (Ryan), Gabrielle Riley (Kyle), Levi Harris (Lauren), Emily Harris, Zachary VanHoose (Abigail), Amber Rowland, James Kinlaw Junior, Ashley Kinlaw (Jarrett), Bailey Wells-Kinlaw, Isabella Mann, Crystal Smith (Michael), Brandon Smith (Makayla), Lance Bauder (Megan) and Eliana Smith. Great-grandchildren include Marley, Chloe, Harper, Ripken Cowboy, Daniel, Peityn, Jericho, Brodie, Payson and Paxton. The family would also like to include his cousin Stella Barnes as a survivor. He has also left behind many other family members that will miss his shenanigans and orneriness.
He is proceeded in death by his parents Henry Mann and Isabell Mills Gary and stepfather Floyd Gary, the love of his life Ginny, Daughter Heidi Rossi, grandchildren Seth and Eowyn, and mother-out-law Doris Seaton.
Services will be private.
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8 Condolence(s)
Kolo Tomes
Sunday, January 12, 2020
I love you Grandpa. Woof woof. I miss you
Julie Stoops
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
So sorry for your loss. It’s hard but somehow you will get through. Love you Nici and Carrie
Gabrielle Riley
Friday, January 3, 2020
Where do I begin... oh the wonderful memories, the love, and your sweet smile will forever be cherished. Thank you for being a wonderful and sweet grandfather and for loving each of us so much. You will truly and dearly be missed but I just know you’re right where you have wanted to be for years since grandma passed and it makes it a little bit easier knowing you’re both together again. I love you so much grandpa and I will miss you dearly. Until we all meet again!
Sarah Diane Huntley
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Praying healing and peace to his entire family. I pray that they are comforted in the love and presence of God and thoughts of happy times shared with Gene.
Debi & Rusty
Monday, December 30, 2019
The world is a sadder place with you not here Gene. I have to thank you for all of the wonderful memories you have given all of us. It has been a wonderful journey that I got to take with you in this life. But I know your body was tired. I also know that you waited for 16 years, 5 months & 20 days to be with the love of your life again, my mom. I see the biggest smiles on both of your faces through the tears of happiness of being together again. And I cry tears of happiness for both of you too. We will all be together again one day. I love you Pop. Always
Bridgett Mills Cronk
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Gene was a wonderful person who was always very kind. Please accept my sympathy at his loss.
Ruth Walters
Saturday, December 28, 2019
I remember Gene when he first came into the lives of this family. He and Ginny fell for each other and the rest is history. I am so grateful for the love he shared and his wit! Rest easy Gene. I know you are in Ginny's arms forever but you are and will be missed on earth. Much love to my "family".
laura mcdaniel
Saturday, December 28, 2019
He was an amazing man who always had a hug and a smile for me. His family was truly blessed to have him in their lives. He will be remembered with love by many.