Stephen Jones Mann
July 1, 1952 – September 3, 2015
After a life battling a disease passed to him through a childhood blood transfusion, in the early hours of October 3rd, 2015 Stephen Jones Mann took his last breath. He was the son of James Harold Mann and Mildred Elzetta Jones and was brought into this world on the morning of July 1, 1952.
His military family’s lifestyle enabled him to live in many towns, but he grew up primarily in Memphis, Tennessee. His itchy travel feet landed him in Tucson where he attended college and pursued his many interests. Sonoita, Arizona, however, stole his heart and put a stall on his travel craze. He fell in love with the scenery and Olga Alicia Rebeil who later became his wife. His “Desert Rose” as he called her. Together they had two children, William and Jacqueline.
He treated his loved ones with all the care his massive heart possessed. The favor was returned. He was very loved by his wife, family, and friends. If the case is that Heaven is a reality, his wonderful soul would certainly grant him a position.
Steve was a visionary entrepreneur, starting and succeeding in many businesses throughout his life. He was one to take in small moments; he never missed a sunset. He was always open to listen, share, and learn. He had stories that could draw crowds. A talented guitarist who started playing at the age of eight, he once toured with the Four Tops, drawing crowds through music. Stephen was a man of honor with many stories, who was instinctively kind and generous. He had a physique to match a standing bear, but a heart that leaned more towards that of a teddy bear. During sentimental films it was common to hear a noise indistinguishable from a laugh, but then proven to be otherwise when you saw the single stray tear that escaped his efforts to wipe away evidence of his tender heart. To those familiar with him it was clear he had a heart that melted as easily as chocolate. A notion of which his sweet tooth undoubtedly would have approved.
Productivity was important in his lifetime; he only took a break for music. Unquestionably, music was his favorite pastime. If you’d like to honor his time here, you can contribute to Hunger for Music, an organization that provides instruments and facilities for those who don’t have access to such luxuries otherwise. hungryformusic.org accepts online donations and would be the best way to commemorate what was truly important in Stephen’s life.