Lon Mann

Lon Mann made great contributions to Arkansas’ cotton industry. Always an energetic worker, he has been a recognized leader since he returned from the military after World War II. He served as president of the Agricultural Council, president of the Arkansas-Missouri Ginners Association (now the Southern Ginners Association), and president of the National Cotton Council. He also served on the Cotton Board, the quasi governmental body that is responsible for collecting research and promotion funds from cotton farmers. In 1978, Mr Mann was elected president of the National Cotton Council, followed by chairman of the board of directors in 1979. During his tenure as president, his leadership brought that industry through a difficult regulatory issue. Mr. Mann’s firm presence before President Carter’s economic advisors, with the Congress and with OSHA, resulted in a modified cotton dust regulation more amenable to the cotton industry. In recognition of his excellent service to the industry, Mr. Mann was elected to the Cotton Hall of Fame. For those causes that Mr. Mann believed in deeply, he gave unselfishly of his time and money. He was a champion of civic and community efforts, and his long-standing board service with the Methodist Hospitals of Memphis has been recognized throughout the Midsouth. He received Methodist Hospitals Foundation’s “Living Award” in 1992.