Obituary of Gary Ellis Mayfield

Gary E. Mayfield, 86, of Marquette passed away Friday, November the 10th. Gary was born July 3rd, 1931 in Lincoln, NE to Arthur Washington Mayfield and Eva Fern (Beal) Mayfield. He grew up in Tecumseh, NE, where he graduated from High School. He married Mary Jane (Montz) Mayfield on December 26th, 1951. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. While Gary served in the Navy he and Mary Jane had two children Ruth Ann Mayfield and James Arthur Mayfield.  

After the war, he and Mary Jane returned to Nebraska where he graduated from Peru State College in Peru, NE. After graduation he embarked on a career of teaching and coaching in Aurora, NE. After teaching in Aurora, he accepted a coaching and teaching position in Derby, KS. In Derby he completed a master’s degree in Education and School Administration at Wichita State University and he and Mary Jane had a third child, Gary Joseph Mayfield. His next teaching stop was at Haysville, KS.

His next position was as the K-12 principal at Burr Oak in north central Kansas. Following two years at Burr Oak he moved to another principal position at Hiawatha, KS, adding the responsibilities of schools at Hamlin, Fairview and Reserve Kansas.

After working in the Hiawatha school district Gary and his family moved to Marquette, KS, where he accepted the responsibilities of grade school principal, science teacher, and wrestling coach. Gary retired from USD 400 in 1991. After a year of retirement he returned to teaching for a year at Glasco High School in Glasco, KS.

Gary was a lifelong Scouter serving as a camp staff member at Philmont Scout Ranch in 1949 and attending the National Jamboree in 1950. As an adult he volunteered for duties as a Cub master in Derby, KS, and Scoutmaster at Burr Oak, Hiawatha, and Marquette, KS. He was honored with a Silver Beaver lifetime achievement award by the Quivira Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

He was also an active amateur radio operator, holding an extra class license with the call-sign WA0EAF. As an amateur he assisted in emergency communications events as well as having directed testing sessions for new amateur radio operators.

Gary was a member of the Marquette United Methodist Church and was active in the Marquette American Legion post 253, as well as a past member of the Marquette Lions Club.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Fern, and beloved wife Mary Jane. He leaves behind Ruth Ann: daughter; James Arthur (Art):son ; Gary Joseph (Joe):son Terri Ann (Chase) Mayfield: daughter in-law; Karen Renae Mayfield: granddaughter.

Graveside services will be held on November 18th, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Marquette Community Cemetery along highway 4 north of Marquette. Pastor Jeff Graber will be officiating with music by Mr. Sam Piper. A luncheon will follow the service at the Marquette United Methodist Church.

Memorials will be donated to the Marquette High School Alumni Scholarship fund. Memorial contributions may be sent in care of Christians Funeral  Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456.