Mangalbhai Somdas “Mannix” Patel, 76, of Shawnee, Kan., formerly of Crystal City, died April 24, 2021, in Shawnee, Kan. Mr. Patel attended college at the M.G. Science Institute in Ahmedabad, India, before immigrating to America in 1968. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Tennessee Tech University. After graduation, he purchased a Dunkin Donuts in Nashville, Tenn., and in 1983 sold the business to buy the Twin City Motel in Festus. Later he purchased the Gateway Inn in Pevely, and used the property as a launchpad for many family members as they emigrated from India. He and his wife retired and moved to Shawnee, Kan., in 2012. He was of the Hindu faith, and was known for his passion for knowledge and his belief in the importance of education. Born April 1, 1945, in Untva, India, he was the son of the late Moti and Somdas Patel.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years: Kanchan “Kay” Maneklal Patel, whom he married May 21, 1967; three daughters: Lina (Ryan) Mulbery of Shawnee, Kan., Reena Parekh of Laguna Niguel, Calif., and Shriti (Dhaval) Shah of Lemont, Ill.; three siblings: Kanti Patel of Jackson, Tenn., Bhakti Patel of Forrest City, Ark., and Jyostna Patel of Fort Worth, Texas; six grandchildren: Himani Mulbery and Eliana Mulbery of Shawnee, Anaiya Parekh and Maliya Parekh of Laguna Niguel, and Juhi Shah and Jayden Shah of Lemont.
He was preceded in death by a brother: Chimanbhai Patel.
Funeral services were held April 27 at Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee, Kan.