Mitchell E. Mansfield, age 65, entered into rest on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Salina Regional Health Center, in Salina, Kansas. He was born on October 11, 1958, in Austin, Texas to Lonnie and June (Eckman) Mansfield.
Mitch was a 1976 graduate of L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas. He spent the majority of his career as a superintendent in highway construction and a project manager with a cold recycle road construction crew working through the Western US. Mitch was a great leader of his crew and was fair, compassionate, giving, and fun to be around. He treated his crew like family, and to him they were. No one wanted to leave his crew.
Mitch met his wife, Diane Johnson, in 2001 and they married in 2012. They were soul mates. Their marriage was strong, they were not only husband and wife, but best friends. Mitch could always make Diane laugh, even when she was mad at him. His unique ability to make her laugh is what made her fall in love with him.
After retiring in 2022, Mitch moved to Jamestown, Kansas with his wife to be closer to his family. Over the past year, he has been a critical part of helping his oldest daughter open a new daycare. Among his many roles at the daycare, his favorite role was bus driver, and he was very proud of that role. He truly enjoyed seeing the students and parents every morning and afternoon. His daughter is forever grateful for his support, guidance, and hard work.
Mitch loved meeting new people, getting to know them, and especially making them laugh. He was very witty and loved cracking jokes or trying to get a rise out of people.
At first glance, with his deep scratchy voice and sarcastic demeanor, Mitch appeared tough and scary. But once you got to know him, it was clear that he was warm and full of love. He truly had a big heart and was always there for those who needed him. He was an amazing son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Mitch is survived by his wife, Diane Johnson, Jamestown, KS; four daughters, Lesli Jaimes (Froylan), Jamestown, KS; Kristin Frank (Dave), Little Elm, TX; Jennie Purcell, Miltonvale, KS; Haanah Johnson, Wichita, KS; a son, Gerald Johnson, Jr., Ellsworth, KS; sister, Teri Mansfield, Bedford, TX; his parents, June and Lonnie Mansfield, Bedford, TX; 13 grandchildren, Nailea Jaimes, Nathan Jaimes, Nolan Frank, Emma Frank, Miles Purcell (Shade), Abbigail Purcell, Lillian Rogers, Trevor Lynn, Simon McClure, McEnzie Johnson (Mariana), Asher Johnson, Ethan Johnson, Cara Johnson, Rugar Johnson; and his beloved dogs, Vinny, Stella, and Delilah.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, where the family will greet friends.