Wendell Mann - LHS Class of 1950

Wendell Mann age 77, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at home after a short battle with cancer, he was surrounded by his family. Wendell was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Darlene Kenny Mann 78 (LHS Class of 1949), and his parents William and Grace Mann. 
Wendell is survived by 3 brothers, William Mann (LHS Class of 1945) of Illinois, Bruce Mann (LHS Class Of 1955) of Connecticut and Preston Mann (LHS Class of 1960) of Texas and 1 sister Sally Murray (LHS Class of 1953) of Missouri. He is also survived by his 3 loving children, Keith, Mary (DeWitt) and Mark, 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Wendell loved all of his grandchildren, but one in particular held a "special" place in his heart, Geoffrey Schmidt, 26 of Orlando, Florida who was able to visit his Grandpa and sing with him before he passed.
Wendell was born in Leavenworth, Kansas where he attended Leavenworth High School and participated in sports, including baseball, football and boxing. He also worked in his parent's restaurant, "Mann's Coffee Shop". Wendell was also in the Navy during the Korean War and was stationed in San Diego, California.
Wendell was previously married and had a son named Mark. Wendell and Darlene were married in 1962 and moved to St. Joseph, Missouri where they had their first child, Keith in 1965. Work moved them to Houston, Texas where their daughter Mary was born in 1967. 
Wendell was a Branch Manager for "Creative Systems" in Houston, Texas. He was also a member of the St. Thomas More Catholic Church and their choir since 1972. Singing was his passion and he was thankful of the many good friends and memories he made while a member of the STM Men's Choir. Wendell also "loved" freshwater fishing and wood-working. He made several pieces of furniture over the years that we still have. Wendell was also an Elk's Lodge member in Westbury many years ago. Wendell coached his son Keith at several sports, and was a long-time member of Westbury National Little League.
Wendell had many friends and acquaintances over the years and enjoyed two friendships in particular that were so VERY important to him, that of his brother Preston Mann whom he talked to on the phone almost everyday over many years and his best buddy, Gene Koshan who has always been there for Wendell. As his children we are SO thankful to these two men for the friendship they showed our father who loved them so much. "Dad" was "always" there for his children and we will be forever grateful for all of the wonderful memories he and our mother gave us. Dad taught us so many things and took us so many places, it was a great "ride". They were FANTASTIC parents and now they are reunited again...

Darlene and Wendell

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Darlene Kenny Mann, born in Leavenworth, Kansas, October 19, 1931, to John and Emeretta Kenny, passed away June 16, 2010. 

She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving husband Wendell (LHS Class of 1950), of 47 years, devoted children Keith Mann and Mary Dewitt, their spouses and grandchildren. Darlene is also survived by three siblings, Michael Kenny (LHS Class of 1962) and wife Darlene, Leavenworth; Jim Kenny (LHS Class of 1954) and wife Marie, Wheatland, MO, and Joan Seymour (LHS Class of 1951), and husband Wayne, Springfield, MO, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceeded in death by brothers K.K. (LHS Class of 1943) and Gene Kenny (LHS Class of 1945), and sister Lou Baskas (Attended LHS).  She will be greatly missed by family and friends.  

Memorials in her name may be sent to: The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.