Obituary of Maynard Lugibihl Mann Jr.

Maynard Lugibihl Mann Jr, 90, passed away in his home on Sunday March 17, 2024, from complications of COPD. Maynard was born to Helen Higgenbotham and Maynard Lugibihl Mann on July 11, 1933, in Blufton, Ohio. Although his mother, who went by the name Honey, always called him Maynard, he referred to himself throughout his adult life as M.L. or Mike.

Mike was an adventurer who discovered his love for the mountains as a college student at the Colorado School of Mines. He then served in the Korean war, and after returning he earned an engineering degree from Georgia Tech, whose mascot was the breed of dog he grew up with, the bulldog. He later moved to Michigan to attend MSU where he earned his MBA.

It was while living in Michigan, through his activity in community theater, that he met Janet Catherine Abel, whom he soon married. He adopted her two young children, and then moved the family to South Bend, Indiana, and then to Summit County, Utah, where he was again able to be in his beloved mountains.

Mike was an outdoors enthusiast, and taught his children to ski, camp, and engage with the natural world. He loved to sky dive, and he piloted his own small two-seater plane. Once settled in Utah, when there wasn’t snow on the slopes, he cycled around the Park City area, and would ride down to Salt Lake City and back up Parley’s Canyon. He loved puttering in his workshop, and built an addition to his home in Summit Park. He spoke Russian, and loved spy thrillers and watching Ironside and Columbo.

Health issues motivated his move to San Antonio, Texas, in the early 2000’s, and he spent a great deal of time in Mexico, a place he deeply loved. As he continued to struggle with his health, he made the decision to move to Fort Worth, where Steve, Janine, and their adult children lived. It was in Fort Worth where he met the love of his life, Del Jennings, who became his constant companion and delight. They loved spending time together, and would go for long drives, and watch the Rangers play baseball. When Del passed away in 2023 Mike lost the light that had surrounded him for a decade, and his entire family felt that loss. Mike never lost his enthusiasm for life, though, and to the end was disappointed that his body had finally had enough.

Mike was so appreciative and grateful for the care provided by Heart to Heart Hospice, his amazing nurse Lisa Hunt, and the aides who worked to care for him, Patty Hinnenberg and London Brookie. Mike’s family expresses that same appreciation and gratitude to these people, and to all who cared for, loved, and valued Mike throughout his life.

Mike is survived by his children, Steve (Janine) Mann, and Susan Imhoff Bird, and his seven grandchildren, Eric, Lucas, Nick, and Nathan (Hayley) Mann, and Beau, Caitlin, and Allegra Imhoff. Mike was preceded in death by his grandson Jake Imhoff, in 2010.