Michael Myrel Mayfield (81) of Effingham

Michael Myrel Mayfield, 81, of Effingham, IL, passed away Saturday, November 25th, 2023 at 6:09 p.m. surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren at St. Mary’s Hospital in Clayton, Missouri.

Per Mike’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation will be from 2pm- 3pm on Saturday, December 30th at the First Church of God in Effingham with a Memorial service and meal to follow. In celebration of Mike’s life, the family invites friends and loved ones to join them following the service and meal at the VFW Banquet Hall, 2304 S. Veteran’s Drive, Effingham from 5pm – 9pm. We will continue honoring his memory by sharing heartfelt stories and by giving his beloved grandchildren the opportunity to sing in his remembrance. Your presence and shared memories will contribute to the warmth and joy with which we remember him.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials may be made to the First Church of God or Meals on Wheels, in Effingham Illinois.

Mike was born on October 3rd, 1942, in Vandalia, Illinois to Marlene Tedrick Mayfield and Don Mayfield. In his youth, he was affectionally called “Mickey” by his family. He married his high school sweetheart Becky Ann Clark of Vandalia in 1962 and they were united until her passing on November 23rd, 2016. Together they had three children, Paula Schea, Amy Shaun and Dana Michelle.

Mike served proudly in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1961-1964. He then worked as a Signalman and Maintainer for the railroad from 1964 until 2002. Even though the railroad name changed many times, Mike’s friendships and camaraderie for his railroad buddies stayed the same.

His favorite hobby was trapshooting and he won many awards including a state championship. Through trapshooting, he met many friends he held dearly; he also loved drinking coffee with his friends and spending time with his family.

Mike was blessed to have many amazing care givers who became like family to him. He and his family were so thankful for his neighbors, Chris Moschenrose and Jamie Gosnell, who provided wonderful care and friendship to Mike.

He is survived by his daughters Paula Schea Freimanis (Peter) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Amy Mayfield (Kevin Pocrnich) of Effingham, Illinois, Dana Warner (Jason) of Vandalia, Illinois; ten grandchildren, Jacob (Rebekah), Luke (Kasey), Ella, and Sofija Freimanis; Laine, Devin and Logann Mayfield; Emma, Hannah and Isabel Warner; two great-grandchildren Charlee Ann and Calihan Payton; a sister, Sheri (Allan) VonBehren and half-brother Jeremy (Rebecca) Mayfield; Sister-in-law Diane Mayfield, and Brother-in-law Roger Clark as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Becky Mayfield, brother David Mayfield and infant sister Brenda Mayfield.