Remembering Ed Mayfield

by William Crum
Many residents remember Edward J. Mayfield, long-time county clerk of Wyandotte County.

He was born June 26, 1932, and died on April 14, 2015, at the age of 82. He was married nearly 63 years to Mary Elaine (Donegan).

He was raised in the Strawberry Hill area of Kansas City, Kan., and as a young man he worked in the packing houses. He was an active member at the Cathedral of St. Peter Catholic Church.

He served as the Wyandotte County clerk from 1969 to 1970 and again from 1993 until his retirement. He was a past president of the St. John’s Catholic Club where he bowled for more than 50 years. Ed and Mary Elaine graduated from Bishop Ward High School in 1950.

Ed lived by the motto, “Take it one day at a time,” and was widely known for his passionate attendance at hundreds of his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s events. His greatest pride and joy in life were his nine children, 21 grandchildren 11 great-grandchildren.

As a young man growing up I had the opportunity to know Ed. He and my father were friends; he was a jovial man with strong convictions to his family and to this community as well. Politically he was known as a very truthful politician, which says a lot especially in today’s standards. I remember the time when I had a question about something and he would always be there for me, which showed me a lot.

I, like others in the community who knew him, thought of him as a friend, a fellow citizen and a local legend. What he taught us all is simple, get involved with your community, work hard and play harder, a true American in every sense of the word. With Ed’s influence he helped make this community great. For those who had the opportunity to meet him and know him will remain in our hearts forever, he has taught us all so much. My prayers go out to his wife, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.