Michael Gaylon Mann

Michael Gaylon "Doc" Mann, 76, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota "left town" for the last time on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024, departing from Brown County Health and Living. He was born January 29th, 1948, in Wagersville, KY and raised in Indianapolis by his adoptive parents, Donald H. and Mildred "Mickey" (Stevens) Mann. He spent his final hours drifting in and out of sleep while listening to his favorite songs, like Desperado, Amazing Grace and Freebird. He also received phone calls from Nicole, his VA "protector and hero", and Loretta his "getaway driver". While the time Doc shared with his son was short-lived, it was deeply cherished by both father and son. They especially enjoyed their time catching up over a Corona, his favorite beer. There was a sense of peace to Doc as he was "toasted"'one final time, while wearing his Freebird shirt and favorite shades.

Doc is survived by his son Jon "JK" Mann (Kari) of Camby, IN, three grandchildren, Noah Mann (Hallie Huglin) of Indianapolis, Abby Mann (Caleb Ellison) of Jeffersonville and Ally Mann (Coltyn Butts) of Plainfield, and his forever favorites, Nicole Hodgen and Loretta Hill. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Doc was a 1966 graduate of Warren Central High School. After graduation he joined the United States Army where he earned many accolades and awards, including the Marksmanship Badge and Good Conduct Medal. He first became known as Doc while serving as a Medic during the Vietnam War. In 1978, he re-enlisted and eventually served as a recruiter for the US Army.

Doc recently relocated to Brown County, Indiana to be closer to his family. He was generous and kind-hearted and loved handing out candy and small tokens of appreciation to people he would meet. He was also known to be a spiritual man and talked a lot about reuniting with his mom (Mickey) in Heaven. Doc was a storyteller and enjoyed having a captive audience. He loved and admired classic cars and many of his stories began by talking about the car he was driving during that timeline. He was a classic rock enthusiast and had a passion for his tie-dye hats and bandanas. Doc loved history and frequently talked about his collection of memorabilia, especially those items related to the gangsters of the old west. He prided himself on being a "wanderer" and had lived in places all over the world, including Germany, Hawaii, Evansville, Hollywood, FL and most recently, Sioux Falls. If there was one thing that represented him well it was the song "Free Bird".

Cremation has been entrusted to Jones Family Funeral and Cremation Service in Mooresville, IN.

A service with military honors will be held on Friday, September 27th at 11:00am at Crown Hill National Cemetery located at 725 West 42nd Street in Indianapolis.