Ralph Mayfield

Ralph Eugene Mayfield, 86, of Jackson passed away Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

Ralph Mayfield

He was the first born son to Dale and Alpha Allen Mayfield on Aug. 26, 1931, in Mayfield, Missouri. Ralph and Vera Dean Rhodes were married July 1, 1956, in Sedgewickville, Missouri, by the Rev. Harley Statler.

Ralph attended Mayfield grade school in Mayfield and graduated from Patton High School in Patton, Missouri, in 1950.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 1951. On Feb. 1, 1952, he was called to basic training in Fort Bliss, Texas, and Camp Edwards, Massachusetts. Ralph went on to serve in the Korean conflict for one year with the 398 Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion. He was honorably discharged as a private first class Jan. 13, 1954. After returning home, he served in the selective service reserves for eight years.

He worked at several local places in Cape Girardeau County: Superior Electric, Jackson Hosiery Mill, International Shoe Co., Cape County Milling Co., Track Side Filling Station, Pioneer Orchard and Spartech Plastic. In 1996, after working as a machine operator for 33 years, Ralph decided to retire.

Ralph was a long-time member of Millersville First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for 22 years, retiring as deacon emeritus in 2012. He traveled to Ecuador on four mission trips. As a big supporter of mission trips, Ralph served on the church mission committee for years. In his early years, Ralph worked with children and served as the head of the Baptist Men.

Ralph was a loving husband, dad and grandpa. He loved to see his family in church, and sharing family meals on holidays and birthdays. Ralph was an avid collector of antique lamps and glassware.

Ralph and Vera traveled extensively. They visited all the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, and all provinces of Canada except two, and over 20 countries.

Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Vera Mayfield; one son, Douglas L. (Denise) of Millersville; a daughter-in-law, Tammie (the late Kenneth) Mayfield of Jackson; and four grandchildren, Chad (Robin) Mayfield of Oran, Missouri, Ashley (Chance) McDowell and Leslie Mayfield, both of Jackson, and Rachel Mayfield of Midlothian, Virginia.

Also surviving are three great-grandchildren, Elijah Mayfield and Camren and Rozlyn McDowell; three great-stepgrandchildren, Bradley, Laney and Ayden; a brother, Glenn (Naola) Mayfield; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kenneth Mayfield, in April 2017; a brother, Clarence Mayfield; and an infant brother.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Nathan Eikenberry officiating. Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Missouri Veterans Home or Millersville First Baptist Church (Mission Work).

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.