Louis Mannen

Louis Albert Mannen, 90, passed away on May 8, 2014 at home surrounded by his family. Louis was a kind hearted and generous man, a friend to many. Louis was born to Lawrence and Flosse Mannen on December 6, 1923 and grew up in Montrose, MO. Louis was a veteran of WWII where he served as a Navigator/Flight Engineer aboard B-24’s in the 15th Army Air Force. During his service he was awarded many medals, including a purple heart. Upon returning from the war, he attended Central Missouri State where he received his degree in Industrial Arts followed by a Masters degree in Education from Colorado State College in Greely. His first job was teaching math in the Belton School District, but that changed when his home was destroyed during the Ruskin Heights tornado in 1957. Louis subsequently moved his family to Independence where he had recently accepted a teaching position with the Independence School District. Initially a shop teacher, he quickly became the vice-principal and eventually Principal of Palmer Junior High. In the latter stages of his career and prior to retirement he spent many years as the Principal of Jim Bridger Junior High. Louis was an active member of the First Christian Church in Independence for his entire life. His interests were many, whether it be working in the yard, making something out of wood, playing bridge with friends or just hitting the ball around the golf course, but his passion was traveling throughout the world. Louis was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Betty Ann. Louis leaves behind a wife, Sue; his brother Elmer Lee; one son, Kenneth Mannen (Julie); two daughters, Janet Miller and Linda DeHart (Rob); one stepson, Robert Henley, Jr. (Suzanne); one stepdaughter, Laura Henley; eight grandchildren: Drew Mannen (Erin), Tara Zuber (Andy), Ryan Miller (Lindsay), Amanda Bennaka (Steve), Brandon DeHart, Jennifer DeHart, Trey Henley and Sydney Henley; along with seven great-grandchildren. Visitation and funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the First Christian Church of Independence, 125 South Pleasant Street, Independence, MO 64050, with visitation starting at 10:00 am followed immediately by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions in Louis’ name be made to either First Christian Church of Independence or Good Shepherd Hospice, 123 W. Kansas, Independence, MO 64050. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600.