Frederick Dean "Fred" Mann

1918 - 2017

Weslaco - Frederick "Fred" Dean Mann, 98, passed away January 9, 2017 at Retama Manor-Harlingen. Fred was born October 14, 1918 in Atlee, Virginia to James S. and Linda Lee White Mann. He was the last surviving sibling in a family of 15.

Mr. Mann attended the University of Georgia and Spartanburg Methodist College before joining the Coast Guard in January of 1942. He served on the George F. Eliot and called himself the loneliest sailor in the Pacific being the only Coast Guardsman onboard a Navy ship transporting Marines to the beaches of Guadacanal on Higgins boats. On one such trip he saw an enemy aircraft, which had been shot down, crash into his ship which immediately caught fire from the impact. He returned to the ship and manned a fire hose to keep the munitions area from exploding thus saving lives. For his actions he was awarded the Navy Silver Star.

While stationed in Miami he met a young SPAR, (the WWII Coast Guard women's branch), Winnie Knox, who would later become his wife of 54 years.

Fred continued his Coast Guard career for 31 years living in many places but the place that captured his heart in the 1950's was the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. He and Winnie returned in 1968 and retired in the Valley. They built their dream house on a resaca in Bayview. Fred was always happiest working outside usually in the pith helmet from his days at Guadalcanal.

After retiring from the Coast Guard as a Chief Warrant Officer 4, Fred completed his degree and worked in the education field in Brownsville and Los Fresnos. He also travelled extensively with his wife enjoying many cruises until the time of her death in 2001.

While living in Bayview and Los Fresnos, Fred was very active taking many leadership roles in Los Fresnos United Methodist Church. He always led Bible studies wherever he lived. He was also a member of the Retired First Marine Division in Harlingen. Later he was active with his son, Fred in the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

He was generous and provided charitable grants to the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Association, the Salvation Army Southern Territory and Spartanburg Methodist College. He also provided college scholarships for his five grandchildren.

Fred is survived by his son, Fred Mann (Virginia) of McAllen, Texas; Eric Mann of Davis, California; Vickie Mann Bolling (Rick) of Auburn, Alabama; five grandchildren, Mary Katharine Ramos-Negrete (Mario) of Clemson, South Carolina; Annabelle Bolling (Michael) of Mobile, Alabama; Lara Claire Bolling of Mobile Alabama; Atticus Bolling of Auburn, Alabama; and Nathaniel Bolling of Auburn, Alabama. Survivors also include many nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Paul Villa and family for caring for Fred, John Knox Village and the nurses and staff at Retama Manor, Harlingen.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 27th, 2017, at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito with Rev. Charlie Palmer officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by the United States Coast Guard.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to the Salvation Army which is beloved by many WWII veterans but especially by Fred, Attention: Corp Officers, P.O.Box 4766, McAllen, TX 78502.

You are invited to sign the guest book or share a memory at www.buckashcraft.com .

Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home, 710 Ed Carey Drive, Harlingen, TX 78550 956-423-3636.