Richard Allen Mann, born August 21st, 1932, of Beaver, West Virginia, died on the 6th of July 2018. Richard was the only child from the marriage of Allen Robert Mann and Lottie Vest Cochran Mann. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Zeretha Avilee Walker Mann, the daughter of Stralie and Nada Mae Walker of Shady Spring, WV, as well as eight half brothers and sisters from the Cochran side and 13 from the Mann side.
Richard was a retired Army veteran, with combat service in Korea, and was awarded two Purple Hearts, United Nations Medal, Korean Service Medal, American Defense Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the 5th Regimental Combat Team Association.
Richard attended Beaver Elementary, Shady Spring High School, and Beckley College. He received his BS from Concord College [University] and a Masters from Marshall University. Richard had additional postgraduate work at Marshall and the University of Tennessee.
Before military service Richard worked as a coal truck driver. After recovering from wounds received in combat and graduating college, he worked as a schoolteacher at Marsh Fork High School, and as a teacher and guidance counselor at Shady Spring High School. He also served as the Adult Education Supervisor at the Raleigh Country Academy of Careers and Technology and retired as the Raleigh Country Schools Transportation Director, a position he held for 12 years.
A consummate believer in the importance of education, Richard was one of the founders of The Shady Spring Citizens Scholarship Foundation, and he served as the Chairman of the Selection Committee of The Westmoreland Coal Company-Penn-Virginia Scholarship Foundation for 33 years. Richard also severed as the President of the West Virginia Association of Pupil Transportation, and was a member of Moose Lodge #1606.
Richard is survived by more than 40 nephews and nieces, and his two children and four grandchildren, that include his son, Richard Allen Mann II and his wife Drema Reed Mann, and their four children; Lucas, Sabastian, Montana, and RayneAnne, of Princeton, WV. and his daughter, Samantha Avilee Mann and her husband Richard Meece, of Shady Spring, WV.
Many cherished Richard’s friendship, all who met him appreciated his forthrightness and honesty, and his integrity and values severed as a roadmap for his extended family and colleagues to follow. Most importantly, his children and grandchildren have the wisdom and lessons he shared, along with the example of his character, to guide them through life.
Richard Allen Mann will be cremated at Blue Ridge Funeral Home. As per his request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to the Shady Spring Citizens Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 2001, Shady Spring, WV 25918-2001.
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