Herbert Mann

1922 - 2021

Herbert Mann
1922-2021
Herbert Mann, 98, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2021. Herb, as he was known by all his friends, was born on June 3, 1922, to Sarah and Charles Mann in Los Angeles, California. He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Jocelyn Mann, his older brother, Samuel Mann, sons Thomas Mann and Charlie Mann, daughter-in-law Lisa Mann, granddaughters Sarah Baer and Kate Mann, and numerous nieces and nephews. During the past few years, Charlie Mann, residing with Herb and Jocelyn, has been their primary caregiver, with the invaluable help of Rosie Jenkins, whom we've chosen for family, and whose kindness and care for Herb and Jocelyn have enriched their lives tremendously. Additionally, we are lucky to think of Laura Beth Williams and Kristy Clemons as family. They, too, have always been there when needed, and Herb loved them, as he did all his family, a great deal. Caregivers Maria Barragan, Kris Varon, and Esmerelda Varon provided devoted assistance to Herb and to Jocelyn, and the family wishes to thank them for making this period one in which Herb and Jocelyn always felt safe and secure in their care. We are blessed to have them continue providing care to Jocelyn.
As a young man, Herb was determined to do his part in World War II, so he did foot exercises until he could make his flat feet appear to have an arch, enabling him to pass the physical. He became a B-17 pilot in the 8th Air Force, 398th Bomb Group, 600th Squadron. He flew 25 missions in the European theater and has maintained a connection of over half a century with the friends he made in the Air Force. He began his service as a second lieutenant and attained the rank of captain.
Herb attended LA City College and UCLA, and met his sweetheart, Jocelyn during their college years. He became a geologist for Shell in the days when geologists had to ride into the Alaskan bush on horseback. Herb's career with Shell took his family to Seattle, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Farmington, New Mexico, and finally Houston. Later, he went to work for Elf Aquitaine, making frequent trips to France, where the company was based.
In retirement, Herb did not slow down. He became a much relied-upon volunteer at Brazos Bend State Park, where he did not shy away from the task of convincing alligators to stay off the hiking trails. Herb's lifelong love of nature made him ideally suited for his work at the park. During this same period, already in his mid-sixties, it was not unusual for Herb to bike from Houston to Sealy for fun and exercise. He was an avid gardener and loved it when his granddaughters "helped" him with the gardening.
As with all heroes, Herb leaves both a legacy and an unfillable loss. Remembering his courage, his wit, his intellect, and his heart, will sustain his family and friends in their grief. At Herb's request, no memorial service will be held. Donations in Herb's honor may be made to the Brazos Bend State Park Volunteer Organization at http://www.brazosbend.org/organization/donations.shtml. Messages of condolence to Jocelyn and family may be sent to Lisa Mann at lmann77469@gmail.com.