Charles William Mann, father, son and husband, departed this life on October 29, 2016 , at the age of 89. Mr. Mann was born on June 27, 1927 in Prescott , Arkansas , to Charles Wright Mann and Ruth Sudsbury Mann. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Frances Ward Mann, and his parents.

He is survived by his son, Charles Ward Mann of Santa Fe , New Mexico , as well as a sister, Juanita Ridgell of Sulfur Springs , Texas , along with sister-in-law, Maxie Paul of Prescott and numerous nephews and nieces.

Charles graduated from Prescott High School in 1944, and left home at age 17 to work in the shipyards in Houston , Texas . After getting a pilot's license, he subsequently joined the Merchant Marines and went through boot camp in San Diego , California . He volunteered for Morse code training in New York City , and then became a seaman aboard the troop carrier Marine Wolf. He sailed to Europe , then around the world through the Suez Canal . He was discharged in November of 1945.

After returning to Prescott , Charles married Mary Frances Ward of Prescott, daughter of Era and Eugene Ward on June 18, 1948 . He then took a job working for the El Dorado Coffee Company in El Dorado , Arkansas . Their son, Charles Ward Mann was born on September 2, 1951 .

Charles worked later as an insurance salesman, and was manager of the El Dorado Paint & Varnish Company before signing on as a painter for the Cotton Belt Railroad in Pine Bluff at age 37. Charles worked four years in the rail yards before being elected as the local union representative of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen. He climbed up the ranks of the union and retired in 1995 at age 68 as the General Vice President, in Washington, D.C. Frances and Charles traveled widely, driving in their big Ford station wagon, to union conventions in Miami, San Francisco, Las Vegas and other cities. They also traveled to national parks and visited their son in Hilton Head, South Carolina and later when he moved to Santa Fe , New Mexico .

Charles and Frances returned to Prescott in 1996 and built a house on Frances ' family land on Highway 371, seven miles from Prescott . Charles was active in supporting Sweet Home Church , helping with financial contributions and management, as well as overseeing the cemetery association, mowing the grass and keeping the grounds. He also was an important contributor in the successful effort to bring a water system to the rural county areas along Highway 371.

Charles will be remembered as a dutiful son, an unfailingly caring husband, an exemplary father, a generous community supporter and a man quick to laugh at a joke or to tell a funny story. He was always keen to offer to help others when he saw the opportunity. Anyone wishing to read about Charles's life can order a copy of his book, TALES FROM THE RAILS , from his son, Charles Ward, by calling 505-474-3180 or emailing him at carlosdsf@nets.com .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sweet Home Church or to the Sweet Home Cemetery Association. Send donations to Maxie Paul 6850 Highway 371, Prescott , AR 71857 .

Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at BRAZZEL/Cornish Funeral Home 1196 Hwy 371 West Prescott, AR.

Funeral service will be 11:00am on Friday, November 4, 2016 at BRAZZEL/Cornish Funeral Home with Dan Ford officiating.  Burial will follow in Sweet Home Cemetery .  Arrangements are by BRAZZEL/Cornish The Funeral Home of Prescott, Eddie BRAZZEL, Director.  Online guestbook: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com