Rev. Dr. Lavon Mann, a devoted Father, Pastor, scholar, and servant of God, transitioned from this life on April 7, 2026, at the age of 83 at Miami Valley Hospital. He was the third son born to the late Rev Dan P. And Luvenia Mann on November 18, 1942, in Carthage, Mississippi. He lived a life marked by faith, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to ministry and community. Rev. Mann moved from Carthage to Dayton when he was a young child with his family. He attended Wogaman Elementary School and later Dunbar high School where he was a proud graduate of Dunbar High School, Class of 1961. His pursuit of education continued throughout his life, reflecting his belief that learning was both a gift and a calling. He attended Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio; Somerset Community College in Somerset, Kentucky; Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky; Northwestern Bible College; and Boyce Bible College. His theological training culminated in a Bachelor of Theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary in 2004 and a Doctorate Degree from the Tennessee School of Religion in 2005. Lavon was a true athlete, as you would know by his height, he was a star basketball player and held the position of center. He played for the Salvation Army, Dayton Dunbar Wolverines, Central State, Sommerset Community College and Morehead State University. He would mention on Sunday’s he used to jump center in the games and now he is jumping center for the Lord. Lavon met Diane while attending CSU and they married on June 24, 1967. Lavon was employed and retired from General Motors after working over 40 years from the assembly line to a Foreman position.

Rev. Mann was raised in the church and as a young adult he was a member of the Usher Board and Deacon. As time went on he also was a Sunday School Teacher and taught Bible Class/Study and Vacation Bible School. Rev. Mann’s pastoral ministry spanned more than four decades. He faithfully served as Pastor of Rockhill Missionary Baptist Church for 43 years, shepherding generations with wisdom, compassion, and steadfast leadership. Prior to and alongside his pastorate, he also served many years as an Assistant Pastor and Associate Minister, always ready to preach, teach, and serve wherever God called.

His leadership extended far beyond the pulpit. Rev. Mann held numerous offices within the Dayton Baptist Pastors & Ministers Union, including President (March 2016; installed September 25, 2016 – December 2021), 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President and Hospitality Chairman. He was a guiding force in assisting with planning and carrying out the City-Wide Revival Services for many years, ensuring that the spirit of renewal and unity remained alive in the community. Rev. Mann’s dedication and impact were recognized through numerous awards, including the 2019 CWC Trailblazer Award and the 2026 CWC Legacy Torchbearer Award, honoring his lifelong commitment to ministry, leadership, and service. He was proceeded in death by his late parents, Rev Dan P & Luvenia Mann, oldest Sister, Ollie Frances Coleman, oldest Brother, Percy Mann Jr, Sister Hazel Ruth Mann, and lifelong wife Diane Mann. He leaves to cherish his children who thought the world of him, Rev. Dr. Larry Mann Jr. & Daughter in Love Dr. Veontae and Sheree Allen & Son in Love Jay and his grandchildren, Dee Capers &his fiancée’ Karly Mitchell, DaLonte Capers & girlfriend KyyaWashington, Ashley Rutledge (Lamar Crawford), Khalia &husband Donte Coleman, and Kyndall & husband Marcus Lewis, 7 great grandchildren. He leaves to cherish his brother and best friend, Dec. Leroy (Lola) Mann, Sisters and best friends, Daisy Miller and Anne Mason, Aunts Irene Mann, and Ora Mae Mann, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins valued friends Larry White & Larry Johnson, his pastor, Rev. Dr. Therman C. Sampson II, Seven Sons in the Ministry, numerousBrothers in the Ministry, his spiritual children and the great congregation of Rockhill Missionary Baptist Church. His legacy of faith, integrity, and love lives on through everyone above and through the countless lives he touched. Rev. Lavon Mann ran his race with endurance, served with humility, and lived with purpose. His life remains a testament to the power of a servant’s heart and a shepherd’s calling.