Walter Ray "Shorty" Mann

Walter Ray “Shorty” Mann, 87, passed peacefully from this life on Thursday, June 23, 2016 in Ranger, Texas. He was born on May 15, 1929 to Dewey Hobson and Lilly Stewart Mann in Mingus, Texas. He married Evelyn Faye Nicks on August 15, 1950 in Benjamin, Texas.
Shorty grew up working in the cotton fields and on the railroad. He began his career with Featherlite in Ranger in 1953, retiring as plant superintendent in 1970. He and his wife, Evelyn “Mutt”, then embarked upon numerous business ventures, most notably Mann’s Grocery in Ranger from 1968 until 1986 when they both retired. Shorty was well known for his cooking ability and his love for sharing food with other people. He worked hard all his life and taught his children and grandchildren the value of a good work ethic.
Shorty was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Evelyn Nicks Mann. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, two step-brothers, and two step-sisters. He is survived by: three daughters, Linda Lucky & David of Ranger, Dorothy Huerta & Vic of Ranger, and Dianna Williams of Midland; two brothers, J.F. “Jeff” Mann of Huckabay and Arthur Mann of Wickett; one sister, Martha Hutson of Abilene; four grandchildren, Melissa Eisenbach & Neil of Carbon, Kimberly Fowler & John of Freer, Jeremy Griffin & Angie of Midland, and Joni Lyons & Nathanial of Midland; eight great-grandchildren, Justin, Jennifer, Mathew, Lacey, Bethanie, Zachery, Jaylynn and Dominic; and seven great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Sunday, June 26 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Ranger from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held Monday, June 27 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Ranger at 1:00 p.m. Services will be officiated by long time family friend, Ronnie Guess. Burial will follow at Blue Flat Cemetery in Gordon, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ranger Ministerial Alliance Home Delivered Meals, P.O. Box 3, Ranger, Texas 76470.