The Woodward Alumni Hall of Fame Association
Charles F. Mann III Inducted 2006 - Class of 1943
Charles F. Mann III attended Riverside and St. Michael the Archangel elementary schools, and graduated from Woodward in 1943. He lived in the North End on Chase Street near Galena. Charles' favorite teachers at Woodward were Marie Ersig, for teaching him the importance of organization and discipline; Hazel McManamon for her instructions on how to be a gentleman and how to act properly; R.K. Sheline for nominating him for a scholarship at Bethany College; Camilia Savage for being his mentor; Mr. LaRue for a glad hand; and especially Miss Warner who in later years married Mr. LaRue and took unfailing care of him when his eyesight failed .Two persons who had a profound affect on Charles were Clyde Meek, who had a reputation of being a stern taskmaster but was really very relenting, and Miss Amy Miller, who was admired for being fair.
Charles' favorite memory was being a part of the Tattler staff and all the fun and excitement of helping to produce a weekly paper with a great bunch of friends. Today the Tattler group is known as the "Alumni Group," and they still meet three times each year. The group includes Jim and Mary
Alice (Brucksicker) Davis, Ed and Ruth (Schiedler) Sloan, Lois Schoonmaker, Betty Buyea, Evelyn Cieslewski, Marilyn Herrick, Tom Marinelli, Elaine Shemas, the Tranakis twins, George Skaff, Roger Weiher, and Doris Kanipe. An unforgettable memory is the famous 6-0 victory over Waite, the first football game won in eight years, and the victory dance through downtown Toledo that followed. While at Woodward, Charles had two nicknames, Chuckie and Cassie. Charles was Editor of the Tattler in 1943, secretary of the Engineering Society, and a member of the Senior Prom Committee.
Charles attended the University of New Mexico, the University of Biarritz, France, and received a BBA from the University of Toledo in 1950. He was in the U.S. Army, stationed in New Mexico during World War II in the Specialized Training Program. After his tour of duty he spent two-and-a-half years in Europe with the Corps of Engineers, ending up at Biarritz University in France. After he graduated from Toledo University he joined his father' s painting firm , Chas F. Mann Painting Company. The company is presently the largest and oldest painting and decorating firm in Northwest Ohio, employing 18 office personnel, and an average of 70 journeyman for a sales volume of 6 million dollars. Past projects of the company include the initial painting of the Stranahan Estate (now Wildwood Manor), Fifth Third Field, Dana Corporation World Headquarters, Owens Corning World Headquarters, Cabela's, Churchill Downs in Kentucky, Bay Park Hospital, new Jeep manufacturing facilities, Toledo Hospital, Michigan International Speedway, Maumee Bay State Park, and General Motors Powertrain. Charles retired in 2005 after 55 years of service.
Charles has been married to JoAnne Belair for 55 years. They have four children who are all active in the Chas F. Mann Painting Co. Charles and Joanne travel extensively, most recently to Africa. He plays golf twice a week and reads a great deal. They spend winters in Florida and summers at a cottage on Devil's Lake. Delivering meals on wheels, helping with Kiwanis Kids functions, golfing, and spending time with his wife Joanne, four children, and ten grandchildren keep Charles busy and out of trouble.
Charles has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Toledo for 40 years and was president from 1982-1983. He was awarded the George F. Hixon Award for meritorious service from Kiwanis International in 1999.He has been active in the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America as local president, state president, and national regional vice president, and has served as a judge on the National Union Apprentice Committee. He served the Council of Construction Health and Welfare Plan for 18 years, Joint Labor Board for 24 years, and was a director of the Painters Pension fund for 32 years. In 2000, Charles organized the repainting of the interior of St. Michael the Archangel Church on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary as a charitable project. Charles and JoAnne have been active members of Christ the King Parish since its inception.
Charles was completely overwhelmed at the nomination for the Woodward Hall of Fame. He can only say "Thank You" for a tremendous honor.