William Billings Mann

William Billings Mann, "Bill" age 98 of Dayton, Ohio passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Miami Valley Hospital South. He was born March 18, 1926 in Portland, Maine, the son of the late Virgil Augustus and Margaret Francis Billings Mann. 

Born at St. Barnabas Hospital in Portland, Maine. Bill spent his first 18 years in Portland and has been a Maine lover ever since. The hospital was torn down after his birth. 

He was the only child of two only children. He was surrounded by his parents and grandparents.

Bill graduated from high school with honors and started college at the age of 17.

He studied engineering at the University of Maine. At the end of his freshman year, the day before his 18th birthday, Bill enlisted in the Navy. He was a Radio Technician, 2nd class. His ship was part of the invasion of Borneo.

After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Navy, he returned to the University of Maine studying Electrical Engineering. Bill is a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and Tau Beta Pi Honorary Society. He graduated in May, 1949.

Bill earned his professional engineering license. He worked for Westinghouse Electric Corporation, General Electric and NCR. 

On October 10, 1953 Bill and Jackie, of Youngstown, Ohio, began their 71-year marriage. 

Bill’s hobbies included, airplane pilot, starting at age 70, of a small 4-seater plane and a member of the UFO’s - United Flying Octogenarians in his 80’s. He swam every day at the local indoor pool for many years. He also enjoyed playing tennis and bridge. He loved traveling with his wife to see family from coast-to-coast. They have children, with spouses, in Rhode Island, Indiana, Nebraska and California. Bill loved his family and did not know a stranger.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife Jacqueline Cowin; children, James (Carol) Mann, David Mann (Paul Schierenbeck), Paula (Kathy) Mann, Claudia (Brian) Stevenson, and Thomas (Erita) Mann; as well as 6 grandchildren; Jacob, Susan, Janelle, Elizabeth, Owen, and Maddy, and 4 great-grandchildren; Lucy, Scout, James and Quinn; one nephew Bill (Linda) Cowin and great-nephew; Ryan.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by Shaundi Mann, great-granddaughter, sister-in-law, Mary Cowin, and brother-in-law, Richard Cowin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 

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