Lawrence Baird Mann

Lt Col Lawrence Baird Mann passed away in the early morning of 27 September 2025, surrounded by family who love him deeply. Larry was born on 21 February 1944 in Olney, Illinois, to Sophia Lovella Baird and Elmer Lawrence Mann. His childhood years spent on an early morning paper route, mowing lawns, serving food at Albion’s Dairy Dell, and helping with the family doughnut business from the garage on 3rd Street prepared him to be a master of both finance and logistics, and his love for animals informed his care for his dogs, Flicka, Liz, and Scraps,as well as his 4-H award-winning cow and rabbits. Larry attended Edwards County High School and earned his B.S. in Journalism from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1966. After commissioning into the U.S. Air Force, his first assignment was at Hill AFB, Utah; he soon established himself as an extraordinary airman by earning the PACAF Junior Officer of the Year award for his work at Yokota AB, Japan, as well as multiple Vietnam Service Medals, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and a Bronze Star for his exemplary command of the 15 th Aerial Port Squadron in Da Nang, Vietnam. Follow-on assignments to Bolling AFB, Bergstrom AFB, Randolph AFB, and Ramstein AB, Germany, led to his command of the 50 th Transportation Squadron at Hahn AB, Germany. Lt Col Mann’s desire to serve and lead earned him additional awards to include two Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. After 26 years of service as a Transportation and Logistics Officer, Lt Col Mann retired from the Air Force and served an additional 26 years supporting our military through contracting and DoD roles in Turkey, Spain, and Germany. Apart from his commitment to his country, Larry was our faithful and affectionate husband, devoted and supportive father, and generous, doting grandfather. He and Terry traveled widely both before and after the birth of their daughter, exploring and appreciating the cultures and history of a wide variety of places, and making friends all over the world. Larry enjoyed golfing, fishing, watching Star Wars and Star Trek, listening to music, connecting with his grandkids through their hobbies, and sharing his incredible sense of humor that never failed to produce a laugh. He was an amazing host, feeding everyone well and making them feel welcome and valued; he told inspiring stories and encouraged us with sage advice. A kind soul with a warm heart and an engaging smile, he was our gentle giant. Larry is survived by his wife, Terry Ann Redfern Mann originally of Pavo, Georgia; daughter Mrs. Angela Jill Mann Leeds and son-in-law Robert Shannon Leeds, Jr.; grandchildren Duncan Shannon (Hannah), Kieran Brannon (Kelsey), Aelwyn Gwyneth, and Rhianwyn Maeve; one sister, Judith Karen Baughman Saxe, and nephew Alan Lawrence Baughman.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Larry's name.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lawrence Baird Mann, please visit our floral store.