Howard H "Buddy" Mann
Sep 13, 1920 - May 20, 2008
Posted by Jo Aguirre

Paper: Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat (OK)
Deceased: Howard H. “Buddy” Mann 1920 -2008
Date: May 31, 2008
Sun, Jun 01 2008

— Funeral services for Howard H. “Buddy” Mann will be Monday, June 2, 2008, at 11 a.m. at First Freewill Baptist Church in Checotah, Oklahoma. Rev. Larry Montgomery will officiate. Howard Mann’s final resting place will be Greenlawn Cemetery in Checotah.

Casket bearers will be grandsons: Daniel Van Brunt, Clifford Van Brunt, Mark H. Mann, Matthew Mann, Jeff Scott and Casey Hamm. Honorary casket bearers will be Bryan Scott, Craig Mann, Ricky Cole, Lee Stidham, Ed Ledbetter, and Harley Bias.

Howard Mann and his twin sister Loretta were born September 13, 1920, to Owen C. and Molisant Caskey Mann. He grew up in the Texanna, Eufaula, and Checotah areas. He married Lorene Cobb of Eufaula in 1944. They celebrated 64 years of marriage in April. After living briefly in California, the young couple bought their current home place west of Checotah in 1945 where they worked side by side farming, ranching and raising five children. Howard Mann was a retired farmer and rancher, but he also worked for the railroad, a fence company, and a feed store. He was a member of the First Freewill Baptist Church.

Howard was loved and respected by his family and friends. He greeted everyone with a smile and was known for his strong willpower. He understood the value of hard work his entire life. His honesty was unquestionable, and his character was spotless. He loved his family, and he led a good and decent life.

Even at the age of 87, Howard kept an immaculate lawn and found pleasure in raising a beautiful vegetable garden and generously giving the produce away. He died Thursday, May 29, 2008, in a place he loved-his garden, at his home west of Checotah.

Howard was preceded in death by four brothers: Chester, Clifford, Alvin, and Austin Mann; two sisters, his twin sister Loretta Harvey and Lorene Short. He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Samantha Jo.

In addition to his wife Lorene of the home, Howard is survived by three daughters: Betty Hitt and husband Rudy of McAlester, OK; Barbara Van Brunt and husband Johnny of Council Hill, OK, and Sharon Cole and husband Rick of Oklahoma City, OK. He is also survived by two sons: Harold and his wife Patsy, and Rick and his wife Neoma, all of Checotah. He is survived by 13 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren. He also is survived by two special sisters-in-law: Elizabeth Tate and her husband Al, and Lila Mann and her family, all of Checotah. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and a large extended family.

Viewing at Hampton Mortuary in Checotah will be Sunday, June 1, from 1 to 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Howard Mann’s memory to the American Heart Association, 1710 Gilbreth Road, Burlingame, CA 94010-1795.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hampton Mortuary, 211 W. Okmulgee, Checotah.