William Manns

Keyser, WV

William H. Manns, 89 of Keyser, WV passed away on April 5, 2013 at his residence.

Born on August 27, 1923 in McKeesport, PA, he was the son of the late W. Henry Manns and Pauline (Draheim) Manns. He is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn R. (McKee) Manns.

Mr. Manns was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Keyser, serving on council, property committee and an usher. He was an active member of the Keyser Rotary. He is a WWII US Army Veteran. He was a scout in the 29th Infantry Division, serving in Normandy, Germany and Central Europe, having landed on Omaha Beach. He was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, American Third Service Victory Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Medal with four Bronze Stars. After serving his country, he worked at Hartman Hardware store in McKeesport for 18 years. In 1951 he became a manager at the G.C. Murphy Company at the Monessen, PA store. He later transferred to the Keyser branch and then to the Tri-Towns branch. When he started managing the Keyser G. C. Murphy Company store the profit was only six thousand dollars a year. Within two years, Mr. Manns brought the profit up to one million dollars; the store was then rated number 5. One hot item in the late 50’s was the selling of one thousand hula hoops in one day. His success was attributed to all the dedicated employees that worked for him.

He is survived by his children; Diann Manns of Keyser, Susie Divelbliss of McCoole, MD and William G. Manns of San Diego, CA. He is also survived by three grandsons; William L. Manns of Utah, Lucas Manns of San Diego, CA, Nick Manns of San Diego, CA; two sisters; Alberta Richardson of McKeesport, PA and Beatrice Lingsch and husband Andrew of Naples, FL; and a nephew Keith Lingsch and wife Lori of Naples, FL.

At Mr. Mann’s request, he will be cremated and there will be no visitation or services.

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