Gene was born on June 11, 1939, in Winslow, Arizona to Vada Mae Hood and Harry Kenneth Mann. He lived in Winslow until he attended college at the University of Arizona where he met Margaret “Elaine” Brewer.
From 1959 to 1961 he served the Lord as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the United States Northwest Mission. Shortly after returning home, he and Elaine were married in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple on July 3, 1961.
Gene earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Arizona, a Master’s Degree from Brigham Young University, and a PhD from Indiana University. He spent numerous years as a college professor, authored many books, and together with Elaine, built several successful businesses. Gene constantly looked for opportunities to teach his children the importance of hard work.
Gene has been reunited with Elaine, who predeceased him in May 2021. He is survived by his children Marcus (Tomi) Mann of Helena, Montana, Dwight (Tina) Mann of San Antonio, Texas, Carolyn (Joel) Callow of Mesa, Arizona, Paul (Keara) Mann of Florence, Arizona, Echelle (Jeremy) Slade of Gilbert, Arizona, 27 grandchildren and 16 great- grandchildren.
