David Larry Mayfield

Danville - David Larry Mayfield, 78 years old, of Danville, IL, passed Wednesday, August 25, 2021 after a long battle with chronic illnesses and accentuated by the covid vaccine. He was at home with his wife.

David was born January 25, 1943, at his parents home just east of Rossville, Illinois. He is the son of Elston and Maxine (Simpkins) Mayfield. Maternal grandparents were William & Carrie (Young) Simpkins of Henning; paternal grandparents Otto & Carol Mayfield of Potomac, IL.

Dave is survived by Mary, his wife of 35 years, Daves daughter Suzanne Heaton and one very precious granddaughter, Alyssa Dawn Heaton - all of Danville. He is also survived by one brother, Otto (wife Carol) Mayfield of Tyler, TX and their daughter Barbie (Ken) Klinicki (daughter Bekah Anne Klinicki) of Aurora, IL as well as lifelong friends, Larry and Brenda Trimble of Alvin, IL.

Dave was preceded in death by his mother, father, maternal and paternal grandparents and one sister, Nancy Crane of Danville.

Dave graduated from Danville High School - Class of 1961 where he played on the football team his freshman and sophomore years.

He served in the US Army September 1966 to September 1968, receiving an honorable discharge as E-5. While in the Army Dave served a crew chief on helicopters.

Dave was employed at FMC in Hoopeston from May 1961-63; at Esco from September 1963-66 and 1968-69 (before and after his military service); and as a Danville City Police Officer for 30 years, from October 1,1969 until October 1, 1999. He was a patrolman from 69 to 79, and Sergeant/Shift Commander from 79 until retirement in 99. While on the police force Dave was Command Sergeant in charge of the ERU (Emergency Response Unit).

Dave served on the board of the Center for Children Services for two years in the late 1990s.

Dave will be remembered as a quiet man with a gentle spirit. He was skillful in all aspects of mechanics, electrical and carpentry that are needed to keep a household functioning .. or to build a house. If Dave couldnt find a part, he would design and build the part. Dave enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson. He was an animal magnet; he loved animals and they responded to him with that same love and trust.

Dave was a dedicated person to family and friends. He lovingly cared for his mother during a long illness; she died while Dave was still in high school. Dave and his father shared mechanical skills. He was so very faithful to his late mother-in-law, Jessie Lee; often visiting her at the nursing home, participating in her care. No son could have been more faithful - actually, for many years the staff thought Dave was her son. He was equally faithful to his late father-in-law, Roy Lee.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 30, 2021 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St., Danville, Illinois 61834. Dr Robert Bartosh and Pastor Bill Hummer will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park in the Everyday Heroes Section with Military Rites accorded by American Legion Post 210 Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 2:00 4:00 PM on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at the funeral home.

Please feel free to ride your motorcycle and dress casual. Dave would have loved that.

Memorials may be made in Davids memory to the charity of the donors choice.

Please join Davids family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall atwww.sunsetfuneralhome.com .