John Ralph Mann

It is with great sadness that the family of John Ralph Mann announces his passing on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at the age of 81.

John was born in Los Angeles, Calif. on April 21, 1937, to John Francis and Dolly Mae Mann. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Joyce Arline Mann and his children, Teri Lynn Hargrave (Ron), Tara Joy Paxton, John Taylor Mann (Rosemary), and Laurie Aline Mann Hembd (Ron).  He will also be fondly remembered by his three grandchildren, Vandela Jasmine Paxton, Tanner Uriah Paxton, Taylor Michelle Mann and his great granddaughter Ivanka Jasmine Bocook.

John served in the Navy during the Korean War. He later worked in sheet metal and manufacturing, then retired from Waste Management after many years. John was very active in his community and led a full life including participating in the Mammoth Ski Club and the Cheney Gun Club. He flew as a pilot, cycled, played beach volleyball and was a master hunter and avid fisherman.

He also volunteered at the Cheney Historical Museum and was a member of the American Legion Post 72.

John dedicated over 35 years of his life to the Cheney Rodeo Association where he served in various capacities.

John spent his retirement years at Badger Lake where his tool shed was always open for neighbors to borrow anything, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand with fixing things. He loved taking the neighborhood children boating and tubing and teaching them how to fish.

John’s favorite color was orange — vibrant and fun-loving, just like him. He will be remembered as a man with a twinkle in his eye, a story on his lips and a margarita in his hand.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11 at Cheney Funeral Chapel, 1632 West 1st St. Cheney, WA 99004, with a reception immediately following at the American Legion Post 72, 116 College St., Cheney, WA 99004. An online guest book is available at cheneyfuneral.com.