Dean Manns

Louis Dean Manns was born February 23, 1929 at home in Centralia, Illinois.  Dean went home to be with his family in heaven on Thursday, March 26, 2026.  He was 97 years old and went by his middle name because he said, “I am not a King!”   Dean was the third child born to Georgia and Ernest Manns.  He was one of five boys and five girls, of which there are now only three. 

   Dean will be remembered most for his love of baseball and golf.  He was 7 years old when he sent away for a Lifetime Chicago Cub Fan Card, which we still have.  After graduating from Centralia High School in 1947, Dean joined the Chicago Cubs’ minor league organization formed in Centralia.  He played for the next five years in the KOM League and travelled to many cities to play ball. 

     Dean wanted to be remembered as a player of the 1946 CHS Basketball team that took 2nd Place in the Illinois State Tournament.  He was inducted into the CHS Hall of Fame in 1999.  Dean loved golfing.  Just ask his brother-in-law Jim Deomes and the men on the golf courses.  He even went to Scotland to golf.

    Dean served his country in the Army from 1951-1952, stationed in Ft. Winter Wood, MO. during the Korean Conflict.

    Dean met his first wife, Alyce Howard, in Twin Falls, Idaho where he was playing baseball.  They married in 1954 and divorced in 1969.  Two daughters were born of this union:  DeAna Alyce and Debra Ann, both residing in Centralia.  The girls moved to Centralia to take care of Dean in 2008 after their mother died.

    After divorcing Alyce, Dean moved to Las Vegas and met his second wife, Lucille, whom he married in 1973.  Lucy died in Centralia in 2005 and is buried in Elmwood Cemetery.

    Survived by Dean are his two daughters; Sister Shirley Jose, Jr; and brothers Clifford Manns; and Jimmy Manns.  Dean’s siblings that welcomed him home are:  Doris, Bill, Betty, Donnie, Nancy, and Judy - and of course, his folks.

    Debby and I would like to acknowledge the wonderful care Dean received under at Fireside Nursing Home in Centralia.  They loved him and his sense of humor.  They called him “Grandpa.”

    Per Dean’s wishes, he was cremated and will be interned beside his beloved Lucy.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association are appreciated.  Condolences may be emailed to deanaamanns@gmail.com or mannsdebra62@gmail.com or the Irving Macz Funeral Home. 

    A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 1:00pm with Pastor Tony Paulson from FUMC officiating.

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