John Mangin

John Mangin, long time resident of Ocean Springs, MS passed away on Friday, July 15, 2022. He was 92.

John was born and grew up in Biloxi, MS. He recalled his childhood with such fondness, he wrote and published a book about it called “Squirt Blossom Jubilation”. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1948 and the University of Southern Mississippi in 1952.

John was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the U.S Navy from 1952-1955. He was assigned to the Destroyer NK Perry where he achieved the rank of Quartermaster Petty Officer 3^rd Class.

John was married for 60 years to his beloved wife, Armella, “Melsie”. He was devoted to his family, both immediate and extended. He hosted many a back yard barbecue and some seriously competitive croquet games, along with many excursions to and cookouts on Deer Island for the family.

John worked for Crawford and Company Insurance Adjusters for 35 years, beginning his career in Mobile, AL. He managed the Biloxi office for 25 years.

A man of strong faith, John was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church for 55 years and served as Parish Council President. He was a long-time member and past president of the Biloxi Lyons Club and was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow for Dedicated Humanitarian Services from the International Foundation. John was past president of the Treasure Oaks Country Club and was instrumental in its expansion over many years.

John was an avid fisherman and beloved story teller, but his main passion was tennis. He helped take the Southern Miss Tennis Team to two state championships. He won tennis tournaments from Mobile to New Orleans and gave many an informal lesson. He was instrumental in establishing the Mobile, AL Municipal Tennis Courts which are now some of the largest municipal tennis courts in the country. John also had a wonderful group of poker buddies for 40 years.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Armella; parents, Albert Louis and Lorena Bessey Mangin; brothers, Albert Jr., Charles (Wilma), Edward (Louise); and sisters, Margaret (John) Gilmartin, Betty (Andrew) Melancon, and Berthe Mangin.

Survivors include his daughters, Beverly Mangin Ellzey (Chuck) and Kathy Mangin; grandchildren, Andrew Ellzey, Rachael Ellzey, and John Ellzey (Kristel); great-granddaughters, Daniella and Isabella Ellzey; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Many special thanks to Beth Gilmartin Blake for her guidance, expertise and love and to Dorothy Dunning and the Saads Home Health Care Team for their excellence and care. And also, a special thanks to Natasha, Deidra and Rashida at Kare Med.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lorena Bessey Mangin Scholarship, USM Foundation, 118 College Dr. #5210, Hattiesburg, MS 39406.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Mangin.