David S. Mann's Obituary
David S. Mann, 80, of Decatur went to be with our Lord on Monday, December 17, 2012 at 6:40 pm.
Funeral services will be held Friday 11 am, December 28, 2012 at First United Methodist Church 201 W. North St. Decatur, with Rev. Miley Palmer officiating. Visitation will be 30 minutes prior to service. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Monticello Railway Museum, or Fair Havens Christian Home.
David was born December 15, 1932 in Decatur, IL, the son of Almon and Eleanor (Scranton) Mann. David graduated from the University of Illinois with an Associate Degree in Aviation Technology. He was a veteran of the Army having taught airplane mechanics. In 1962 he joined his life with Janet Lehn McMillen and her children, Scott and Deana. In 1982, he married Barbara Purviance. He was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church. For many years his deep bass voice was heard in the choir. He worked at Ozark Airlines in St. Louis, Mo., and retired from A. E. Staley Co. He joined the Monticello Railway Museum in 1972 and enjoyed many years as a volunteer and also serving as president and track superintendent. He worked at A.E. Staley for 33 years.
Surviving is his wife, Barbara, daughter Deana (Jim) Smiley of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.; step-sons Nathan (Carol) Purviance of West Chester, OH; Jonathan Purviance of Germantown Hills, IL; grandson Jason (Leslie) Purviance) of Fairfield, OH.; granddaughter Stacy (Travis) McBrien of Middletown, OH.; and two great-grand children. He is also survived by his younger sister, Alyson Laue of Atlanta, GA.; nieces Jennifer Laue of Sandy Springs, GA: Leslie (Kevin) Stapleton of Park Ridge, IL.; and Alexa Molnar; and two great nephews..
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Deone Molnar and son Scott McMillen. The family wishes to thank Dr. Richard Fritz and the staff of Fair Havens Christian Home for the love and care given to him during his stay. A special thanks to all the family and friends who remembered Dave in their prayers.
The family of David Mann is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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