Robert Wm “Bill” Mayfield (age 96) passed away on April 2, 2024 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, FL. He was born in Franklin, IN and was the son of Edgar Coleman Mayfield and Mable Edith Mayfield (Hamblen). Bill’s sisters were Betty (Dale) Betts both deceased, Irma (Marvin) Glick both deceased, and survived by Eunice (Royce, decd.) Low.

Bill worked on his parent’s farm before graduating from Nineveh High School, class of 1945. He was drafted shortly afterward at age 18 into the U.S. Navy where he served from 1945-1951. He is a WWII veteran. He was also a U.S. Marine from 1951-1954, who courageously served in the Korean war as a radio relay specialist.

Also in 1951, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University. He put that degree to use, primarily working 30 years at Firestone Steel Products Division in Akron, Ohio; and another ten years for them as ACCURIDE in Evansville, IN. He designed and safety-tested truck rims and wheels, traveled to investigate and problem-solve, and held patents on design improvements.

Bill was happily married to his wife Norma Jean Mayfield (Brown) for 60 years before she went to the Lord in 2014. His supportive father role was to their five children: Kathie Lynn Nalepa (Russell Nalepa), Edie R Mayfield-Housel (Kevin Housel), Glenda Louise Bizzotto-deceased 2015, Sidney Alan Mayfield, and Nola Elaine Mayfield. Bill and Norma also assisted several foreign exchange students and Bible students who resided in home for a period.

He and Norma enjoyed being active in the lives of seven grandchildren who were spread across Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, and Florida:  Peter Nalepa (Maria Phillis), Liz Nalepa (Jake Guidosh), Joshua Housel (Maggie Housel-Clark), Danielle (Dave) Drouillard, Jen Bizzotto, Anthony Bizzotto, Justin (Lucy) Mayfield. They also have three great grandchildren: Elliott Nalepa, Vincent Drouillard, and Gianna Drouillard.

Christian love did abound. Bill served in many church leadership roles as teacher, elder, deacon, choir member, chauffeur, confidant, contributor, and faithful servant, including membership at the Friendship Baptist Church most recently.

He visited all 50 states and several foreign countries, which suited his wife Norma’s traveling passion. He also proudly could recite all state capitals upon request, as well as the Gettysburg address. Other interests included: golf, bridge, chess, bowling, farming, singing, eating desserts (especially pie), providing love, discipline, and support, and unexpectedly a bit of ‘spot on’ dry wit.

A small family and military tribute will be held at a later date on Indiana home land. Please share your fond remembrances of Bill at millenniumcremationservice.com. All updates will be cherished.

(Memorial donations may be made to the VNA Hospice House 901 37^th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.)