John Stewart Manns

John Stewart Manns passed away peacefully on July 25, 2020 at the age of 82. He was born on April 1, 1938 in Toledo, Ohio. John graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1962 and studied in their interior architecture program. He operated his own business specializing in commercial interior re-design, primarily living and working in the Detroit, Michigan area. He also lived and worked in Illinois, California, Arizona and Wisconsin. He moved to El Paso in 1992 after having helped move his daughter and son-in-law to the city. He was offered a job in the Facilities Services Department at the University of Texas at El Paso and worked there until his retirement in 2005. In 1993, while participating in a church golf event, he met Elaine Hengen. They were married on November 11, 1995 in Albuquerque, N.M. John was an avid fan of the Detroit Lions, the Detroit Red Wings and all things NASCAR. He and Elaine attended many races at tracks across the country, played many rounds of golf together, enjoyed taking cruises and traveling to visit family, and played side-by-side in a church handbell choir. John was always looking for creative outlets and often helped family and friends with home interior and landscaping design. He especially loved to design, build, and promote backyard ponds. He also enjoyed helping Elaine select colors and fabrics for many of her quilts, the challenges of the stock market, and listening to music. He is survived by his wife Elaine Hengen, daughter Deborah Rommelmann, son-in-law Reiner Rommelmann and granddaughter Kristine Rommelmann of El Paso, Texas; son John Michael Manns and daughter-in-law Myrna Manns of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister Meredyth Jones of Ithaca, N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents, Walter Glyndon “Glen” Manns and Doris Maude Stewart Manns. Services to be held at a later date. Donations may be made in John’s memory to the Animal Rescue League of El Paso.