Patricia J. Mannix

Patricia Jean Mannix passed away peacefully in her home in Miami County just outside New Carlisle, OH on February 24th, 2014. She died the way she lived, with strength and dignity. Pat, Patter, or Aunt Pat as she was variously known by colleagues and loved ones was born on June 26th, 1929 and raised in Greenville, OH; a child of the depression. She attended school in Greenville, graduating HS in 1947. Miami University in Oxford OH was her choice for college and she worked as a model for Shillito's as well as in their store in Oxford all during her college days. After graduating in 1951 with a BS in Business, she began her career at WPAFB where she aggressively pursued a leadership path from her initial role with the comptroller to becoming a chief contract negotiator for military aircraft engine acquisitions. She obtained the rank of GS-15, the highest attainable in the civil service and an unheard of achievement for a woman at the time. She played a major role in the "Great Engine War" which re-shaped acquisition protocols for the purchase of jet engines for the armed services, during which time she worked closely with the Secretary of the Air Force, the Secretary of State and President Reagan. She was also an entrepreneur, opening a donut shop in Troy Ohio with her best friend in the early 80's aptly named "Aunt Pat's Donuts". After 35 years as a civil servant, she retired to begin her second career at GE in Evandale, OH. She assumed responsibility for jet engine contracts for military aircraft including the B-1, the F -16, and the Advanced Tactical Fighter, plus several other large acquisitions. After 25 years of service with GE and a career spanning 6 decades, she retired in her early 80's. She had a work ethic that was unparalleled, was a lover of all animals and was genuinely one of the kindest, most wonderful and generous women ever to grace this earth. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her dear, sweet "poochie" Jilly and a family of friends greater than any that could be born of blood. She did not wish any formal services. Her ashes will be spread across her property in Bethel Township OH. For those who wish to make a charitable donation in her name, The Humane Society and The American Cancer Society were important to her.