John A. Mann

John Allen Mann, 63 of Fort Wayne and formerly of Huntington, returned to the loving arms of the lord, at 6:10 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013 at the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. Mr. Mann was a local entrepreneur, businessman and philanthropist. He was a 1968 graduate of Huntington High school and he earned his bachelors degree in Political Science at IPFW. He was the CEO of JMA, Inc., a company he started in the mid 70’s. The company did marketing, PR, promotions, restaurant management and entertainment. He was involved in promoting various forms of entertainment throughout his career including clients such as The Walt Disney Company, Ringling Brothers Circus, Carson & Barnes Circus, and Bearcreek Farms Resort. He was an enthusiastic advocate of the Circus and Outdoor Amusement Industries. The company eventually owned and operated 60 Subway Sandwich Franchises in Tennessee, Michigan and Indiana. The company currently owns 22 Subway Shops, all in Indiana, and owns commercial and rental properties, an investment company, a commercial leasing company and farmland. It also continues to develop entertainment projects in the area. Mr. Mann also started a charitable foundation that contributes to many local charities and non-profit organizations, including Matthew 25, Huntington YMCA, Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, Huntington Free Clinic, St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen, Riley Children’s Hospital, Fort Wayne Museum of Art , Fort Wayne Civic Theater, Roanoke Public Library, Mad Anthony’s Hope House and more. John is a member of the Board of Directors of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art , the Huntington University PACE Board and the Riley Foundation Northeast Indiana Regional Leadership Committee. John was born on January 3, 1950 in Huntington a son of Max and Mary (Allen) Mann. He was united in marriage to Gale Meyers on April 15, 2000 in Fort Wayne. His beloved wife survives. Additional Survivors include a stepson: John Witting of Indianapolis and a stepdaughter: Karen Witting of Los Angeles, CA., as well as numerous cousins and good friends. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 25, 2013 from 3:00 – 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Myers Funeral Home Huntington Chapel, 2901 Guilford Street, Huntington, Indiana. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 10:30 am at the Myers Funeral Home Huntington Chapel with Pastor Robert Land officiating, there will also be one hour of visitation prior to the services. Memorials are to Riley’s Children Hospital or donor’s choice in care of Myers Funeral Home, 2901 Guilford Street, Huntington, IN 46750. Interment will take place in the Markle Cemetery.