Anthony “Tony” Wade Mann April 12, 1961 ~ April 14, 2022 (age 61)

Obituary

Graveside services for Anthony Mann, 61, of Portales will be held at 10:00 AM, Wed., April 20, 2022 in the Portales Cemetery with his sister and brother-in-law, Terry and Jim Wood officiating.

Tony, as he was known to virtually everyone, was born April 12, 1961 in Muleshoe, TX to the home of Eva Lou (Taylor) and Cecil Carl Mann and died on the evening of April 14, 2022 in Albuquerque, NM.  The family moved to Roswell when he was a small child, but later returned to Portales when he was in Junior High School.  He graduated from Portales High School, and went on to attend classes at Clovis Community College.  Tony worked for a time as a dishwasher at Leal’s Restaurant, and also as a stocker at Allsup’s and Stripes convenience stores.  Each year he proudly rang bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Fund.

Tony loved cars, and kept whatever car he had in immaculate condition.  He knew all kinds of trivia about various models, their strengths and their weaknesses.  He could tell you if that one was efficient or a “gas guzzler.”  He was a big fan of the music of the 70’s and 80’s, and knew all the artists, their albums and what songs were on each one.  He kept track of when the artists died and when.

Tony was a lesson in forgiveness.  Through his lifetime he had experienced unkindness in various forms, but he never held a grudge.  It was as if it never happened.  He never had much in the way of monetary wealth, but he was an excellent steward of what he did have.  In spite of the fact that he didn’t have much money, he was a very generous man.  When he got more of a particular commodity than he needed, he was always ready to share.  He loved to be with people, and was always ready for a visit.

Church was the focus of his week.  If he was physically able, he was in church every time the doors were open.  He faithfully attended services at Third and Kilgore Church of Christ or with his sister at Central Christian Church.  If he had opportunity to talk to you on a Sunday, he was going to ask if you went to church, and if you had missed, he was quick to tell you that you needed to be in services.  Church potlucks were a highlight for him, and he could be counted on for either banana pudding or a meatloaf.

He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Terry and Jim Wood of Portales; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Mark and Kim Mann of Houston, TX and Russell and Kelly Mann of Henniker, NH; as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by both of his parents.