September Veteran of the Month David Mann is pictured here with his wife, Debra. Photo provided by Kosciusko County Veteran Affairs Officer Rich Maron.

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — David Mann of Warsaw was honored (in advance) as the September Veteran of the Month during the Kosciusko County Commissioners’ meeting Tuesday, Aug. 31.

David Mann during his time in the military (photo provided by family)

He was born Oct. 19, 1945, to Jack and Treva Mann. His brother is Ken (Diana) Mann and his grandparents were Swede and Eulalah Rydquist (both deceased) and Reuben and Cleo Mann (both deceased).

He attended elementary school in Mentone and graduated from Warsaw Community High School in 1963. 

He did a four-year apprenticeship for tool & die at Sun Metal.

In November 1965, Mann was drafted. He served in the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry.

He was in Vietnam from August 1966-August 1967, serving in recon.

Mann was released from active duty Aug. 25, 1967 and discharged as a Spec. 5.

He married Debra Levernier of Milford on Feb. 14, 1970. They now reside in Warsaw.

In 1973, Mann became employed at Zimmer. He later worked at Royal Crown in Milford, retiring in 2005.

The Manns have one son, Tyrone (Mary Ellen) Mann, who lives in Colorado, and a daughter, Monica Mann Purdy, who resides in Florida. 

Their grandchildren are Jackson Mann, Preston Mann, Gavyn Purdy and Isabella Purdy.

“My dad is my hero. He taught me to love the Lord and make family a priority no matter what,” Monica Mann Purdy said. “I’m honored to call him my dad.”

Bella Purdy described her grandfather as “a very strong and positive man, even in tough times.”

“He is someone who is very close to my heart,” Bella said. “The best times are when I am able to talk to him about anything.”

Gavyn Purdy said his grandfather is “an extremely caring, considerate, passionate man with a sense for all things handy.”

“He has worked hard for many years to cement a legacy that he can surely be proud of,” Gavyn said. “I’m grateful to have such an impactful grandfather.”

Mann attends Warsaw Community Church and said he loves “The Lord, fishing, hunting and muscle cars.”

In September 2018, Mann was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. He went into remission in March 2019. The following September, the leukemia returned.

“I have a mighty God and I am trusting in him for complete healing,” Mann said.