David Wallace Mann, 77, of Sterling was born September 12, 1936 in Des Moines, Iowa and died September 30, 2013 in Sterling. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, October 14, 2013, at 10:00am at the First Presbyterian Church in Sterling with Rev. Michelle Witherspoon officiating.

David was born to Byron Wallace Mann and Martha Pauline Bachman and grew up in Des Moines where he graduated from Des Moines Technical High School. He then attended Parsons College, Drake University and graduated from Colorado State University with a BA and MA in Vocational Education.

While growing up, he worked as a movie projectionist and disc jockey. He taught electronics at Pueblo Junior College for three years and then moved to Sterling where he established the electronics program and taught for 30 years. After retiring from NJC he taught electronics and avionics at Western Nebraska Community College in Sidney for five years and then taught math and computer science part time at NJC. He also repaired electronic instruments and organs. He maintained non-directional beacons for airports both on the plains and in the mountains and the TV translator system for several years.

Dave married Nancy Lea Finkelson in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 15, 1963. They had two children, Carrie Lea and Darrin Scott. They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family in Monterey, California.

Dave was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sterling where he served as Deacon and Elder, sang in the choir for 50 plus years and repaired the organ at times. He belonged to the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and was a ham radio operator for 65 years. In Iowa, he was a member of the Iowa National Guard and had a Boy Scout troop of disabled scouts. He recently joined the Sterling Lion's Club.

In 1969, Dave was one of the founders of the local theater group, Prairie Players, where he directed, acted and did set or technical work for most productions. He was a member of Centennial State Barbershop Chorus and directed the chorus for several years. He was a member of the Heritage West, Regional Championship Barbershop Quartet. Dave enjoyed working on old cars, playing his many musical instruments, riding his motorcycle and traveling.

Dave is survived by his wife Nancy; daughter Carrie Lea Mann and husband Steven Parrish of Sterling; son Darrin Mann and wife Lisa McGee Mann of North Hollywood, California and four grandchildren Emma and Truitt Parrish, and Kaylena and Kaia Mann.

He was preceded in death by his parents Byron and Pauline Mann and sister Ruth Ludwig-Miller.

Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the Organ Fund at First Presbyterian Church, Sterling. The Chaney-Reager Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.