MANSFIELD, John

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ August 1, 1974, p. 9 John Mansfield John Mansfield, 90, died at his home of a heart attack July 25. Mr. Mansfield was born at Mansfield, Ill., July 17, 1884. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War I, he joined the American Legion at its inception and had been a member for nearly 56 years. He was a member of the local American legion Kellis Draper Post No.12, the Wickenburg Rockhound Club, and the Masonic Lodge. John Mansfield was beloved by all for his great understanding and fine sense of humor. His poems, rich in human interest, won for him the title of Wickenburg’s Poet Laureate. As a youth John Mansfield traveled for several season with the Chautauqua Circuit. At another time he played professional baseball. His best work, however, was as a flutist in John Philip Sousa’s band and other famous bands. In later years he was head of his department in the Iowa State Highway Dept. in Des Moines, Iowa. After leaving Des Moines, where he lived for 40 years, he operated a wood-carving shop at Knotts’ Berry Farm in Calif., where he met his wife, Glenn. A memorial service, conducted by Chaplain James Cope was held by the local American Legion in the American legion hall Sunday July 28. Later friends paid their tribute to John Mansfield at the Wickenburg Chapel. At his request no other service was held. The family has suggested contributions to the Wickenburg Museum Fund for a memorial to John Mansfield for friends who wish to take part. Survivors are his wife, Glenn, a stepdaughter, Mrs. Lois Neill of Irvine, Calif., and a nephew out of state. Interment will be in Mansfield, Ill.