Malcolm Forrest Mann

Malcolm Forrest Mann, 73, died peacefully Dec. 4, 2005, at his home in Chagrin Falls.

Mr. Mann was the chairman of the Geauga County Democratic Party and was very active in local and national politics, first in Akron and ultimately in Geauga County. He was instrumental in the election of numerous northeast Ohio Democratic candidates and was tireless in his efforts with the political process. Born in Akron to John R. and Edythe Mann, he graduated from Garfield High School and Kent State University, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Upon his graduation from Kent State, he entered the family business as vice president of the Karman Rubber Co. Most recently, he owned and operated his own business, Malcolm Mann Inc., culminating 50 years in the rubber industry. Mr. Mann was a member of the Geauga County Board of Elections, and served on the board of Kent State University, Geauga County Campus, and the Ravenwood Mental Health Center.

He was an avid supporter of the Kent State University sports program, being involved whenever he could. Reading, the study of history and classic automobiles, particularly the Hudson, were his passion. He was a dedicated member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent, where he actively participated in several church functions.

Survivors include his wife, Donna (nee Christleib) Mann of Chagrin Falls; son, William T. Mann; daughter, Marjorie Mann (James) Ranftl, both of Akron; stepson, Frank Brooks of Nelson; stepdaughter, Kate Brooks of Chagrin Falls; sister, Lavonne Wiley of Bath; brothers, John Mann of Crystal River, Fla., and David Mann of Akron; grandchildren, Thomas Ranftl, Alexis Brooks, and Jayden Thompson; a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 9, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St. (on Route 44, 500 feet south of Route 6/Chardon Square), Chardon, Ohio. A memorial service will be held at the Newbury United Community Church, 14916 Auburn Rd. (on Auburn Rd., just south of Route 87/Kinsman Rd.), Newbury, Saturday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m. Donations are suggested to IPF Research, Dr. Chapman, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave. A90, Cleveland, Ohio 44195. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.