John L. Mann

John L. Mann, 82, of Geneva, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Linton, Indiana.

He was born on November 20, 1943, in Decatur, Indiana, to Lemuel Agustus "Gus" Mann and Olive E. (Huser) Mann, who both preceded him in death.

John earned a master's degree in business education and devoted many years to teaching and education. Throughout his career, he was active in several professional organizations, including the National Education Association (NEA), the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA), and the Indiana Retired Teachers Association. He also served his community faithfully as Vice President of the Adams County School Board from 2006 to 2023.

John had a lifelong passion for working with his hands and creating things. He enjoyed restoring classic cars, most notably his prized 1969 Corvette and two 1957 Chevrolets. A true craftsman, John was skilled in working with wood, metal, and nearly any material he set his mind to. He was also a passionate teacher and a strong advocate for young people to learn practical skills, particularly in the industrial arts. From auto mechanics and welding to building trades and machine shop, John believed deeply in the value of hands-on knowledge. He understood the importance of hard skills in a competitive world and continually advocated for opportunities for students to learn and succeed in those fields.

On November 28, 1970, John married the love of his life, Dixie J. (Lafferty) Mann, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Together they shared a lifetime of love and memories before her passing on January 4, 2024.

In 1975, John, his wife, and their sons moved to Portland, Indiana, where they cherished the years spent raising their boys. John and Dixie worked together to build a loving home filled with encouragement, faith, and pride as they watched their sons grow into the men they became.

In 2000, a move to Geneva, Indiana, provided new opportunities in business and service to others, as John became a Real Estate Sales Associate with Mann Realty. He and Dixie joined Geneva Proud, where John served on the Board of Directors and later as President of the renewed Geneva Chamber of Commerce, helping promote and support the community they loved.

John was a member of First Missionary Church in Berne.

Loving survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, Richard M. and Anita Mann of Jeffersonville, Ohio, and Justin L. and Michelle Mann of Worthington, Indiana; grandchildren, Austin Mann of Sabina, Ohio, and Kaleigh and Kiera Mann, both of Worthington, Indiana; and one sister, Evelyn (R.) Waters of Waynesville, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dixie J. Mann, and his parents.

Family and friends may gather to share and remember from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Downing & Glancy Funeral Home, 100 N. Washington Street, Geneva, Indiana.

A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home with Army chaplain LTC Paul Girdley presiding over the service. Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery in Geneva, Indiana.

John will be remembered for his dedication to education, his craftsmanship, his belief in the value of hard work, and his unwavering spirit to help others.

Instead of flowers, please consider a donation that honors John's legacy as a lifelong educator whose passion for the industrial arts and machine trades is a critical skill path for our young people today that helps them find a lifelong career and meets the needs of our society, state and nation. Our young people are our future, and John was a passionate advocate for their success.

Donations can either be mailed or dropped off during the viewing. Donations can be made to: ACCF / SA Precision Machines (PM) in memory of John Mann. 102 N 2nd St, Decatur, IN 46733 or to South Adams School in memory of John Mann,1075 Starfire Way, Berne Indiana 4671.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Downing & Glancy Funeral Home in Geneva, IN.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of John L. Mann, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of John L. Mann, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Memorial Donation