Darwin E. MAYHEW

MAYHEW, JENISON, NELSON, BERGMAN, MAYHEW-BERGMAN, WOODFORD, PETERSON, PEACH, DARBY, EAGAN, HASTINGS, SWANLAND, HUTCHINSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/15/2017 at 18:54:59

May 25, 1924 ---— June 16, 2016

Darwin E. "Bud" Mayhew, 92, of Rockford, [Illinois] passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2016, in Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center. He was born May 25, 1924, in Goodell, IA; the son of Albannis V. and Madge (Jenison) Mayhew. He married Helen Nelson on June 7, 1947 at Besthesda Covenant Church in Rockford. She predeceased him in 1987. Bud proudly served his country during WWII as a Staff Sergeant in the European Eastern Theater including Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded 3 bronze battle stars. As a war veteran he attended and commemorated the 64th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy. Bud was a charter member of Rockford Amvets and honorary member of Sad Sacks, was active in the American Legion at city, state, and national levels, serving as 12th District Commander, past Commander of Post #864 where he organized travel log presentations for public interest. He was a lifetime Legion member of Belvidere Post #77 and VFW Post #1207, appointed 12th District Chaplain for 11 years as well as Boone/Winnebago Chaplain. Bud was a charter member of the W.W.II Memorial Museum. He participated in the Vets Roll trip in May of 2013.

He graduated from Harlem High School in 1942 where he played basketball, football, and was a member of a vocal quartet, winning first place in state competition. His passion for sports continued throughout his life as an avid Bears and Cubs fan. Bud worked for 20 years at Rockford Industries as a supervisor and purchasing agent and continued working for various businesses in purchasing and delivery. After retirement he assisted the establishment of Zion Development Corp. assisting Laotian immigrants. He was a lifetime member of Bethesda Church where he served on the Trustee and Christian Education boards and on many volunteer committees. His great enjoyment was music; singing in the church choir, and a choral quartet. Bud was a Boy Scout leader for many years at Alpine Lutheran Church Troop #57. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and fishing, was a skilled competitive bowler, eventually competing at the national level. Bud enjoyed nature and was an avid fisherman who journeyed to Canada with family until age 90. Bud treasured his family.

Survivors include children, Linda (Robert) Peterson, Dennis Mayhew, Cheryl Mayhew-Bergman, Sue (Robert) Woodford; grandchildren, Ryan (Kim) Peterson, Dustin (Melissa) Bergman, Kara (Jason) Peach, Scott (Megan) Darby, Jeffrey (fiancée Tristan Eagan) Darby, and Sara Darby; great-grandchildren, Kristen and Emily Peterson, Wesley Hastings, and baby Grady Peach due in July, and Eli and Bella Darby; several nieces, nephews and sister-in-law, Arlene Swanland. Predeceased by parents, spouse, brother, Alvin Mayhew, and sister, Betty Hutchinson. The family wishes to thank Dr. Joseph Ross and Fairhaven Staff for their care.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in Bethesda Covenant Church, 2101 E. State St. Rockford, IL with Pastor Richard Mylander officiating. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Machesney Park. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 21, 2016 in the chapel of Fairhaven Christian Retirement Home and prior to the service on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the church. Memorials to the American Heart Assoc, 208 S. LaSalle St. Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604 or Belvidere American Legion Post, 900 W Chrysler Dr., Belvidere, IL 61008.

Rockford Register Star --- Rockford, Illinois
June 19, 2016