Danny Ray Mann, Jr.

Danny Ray Mann, Jr. of Decatur died unexpectedly Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020. He was 40 years old.

Born Oct. 9, 1979, in Kalamazoo, he grew up on Gravel Lake in Lawton and attended Lawton Community Schools. He was especially close to his sister Kristy. Just over a year apart in age, they remained best friends into adulthood.

On Sept. 17, 2011, Danny married Dawn Copenhaver. She caught his eye one day climbing out of her truck, he said. A short time later when he was working on her truck, she climbed under the vehicle and laid next to him while he worked. Danny said then he knew they would be married someday. Together, they had a son, Danny Ray Mann, III.

Danny worked for many years in commercial flooring, installing carpet and tile in countless businesses and school buildings in Southwest Michigan. In his free time he loved riding his dirt bike. He was also a self-taught mechanic, and his family and friends often sought out his help.

More than anything, Danny loved to make people laugh. His quick, colorful humor often made his family and friends laugh until they cried. He was known for playing pranks on his family, like hiding in the backseat of his mom’s truck, and jumping out of a garbage can to scare his dad. No matter the circumstances, his family and friends could count on Danny for levity and laughter.

Danny is survived by his wife, Dawn, and three children, Hailey, BayLee, and Danny; his father, Dan Mann, Sr., his mother and stepfather, Carol and Ron Merchant; his sisters, Kelly (Chad) Kuhlmann, and Kristy Smith; his stepsister Kelli Merchant; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial will be held at the home of Ron and Carol Merchant from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15.