Donald Lewis Mayfield

Donald Lewis Mayfield, lovingly known as "Don" and affectionately called "Supergramps," passed away on December 9, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by his four children. He was born on January 20, 1938, in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, to Lewis K. Mayfield and Irene E. Mayfield.

Don was the youngest of three brothers and cherished the adventures he shared with his siblings, Ted and Scott, during their childhood on the family farm. The family later moved to Longmont, Colorado, where Don excelled as a student and artist, earning a national blue ribbon for his drawing skills. It was in Longmont that he met and married his high school sweetheart, Jorlene, in 1958.

Don pursued his education at the University of Colorado, earning a bachelor’s degree while he and Jorlene welcomed their first three children. The family later moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where their fourth child was born. Don’s passion for science led him to pursue a master’s degree in Health Physics from the University of Michigan. His career took him to the Hanford Site in Washington and Los Alamos Scientific Laboratories in New Mexico.

Later in life, Don chose to leave government work and settled in Albuquerque, where he became a dedicated landlord. Known for his generosity and compassion, he often went above and beyond to help his tenants, ensuring they had a place to call home.

Don’s passions included folk music, politics, and caring for animals. He was a tender-hearted man who opposed cruelty in all forms and found joy in feeding neighborhood cats. A man of science and art, he viewed the world through both lenses and delighted in connecting with others.

He is survived by his former wife, Jorlene; his children, Brandon James Mayfield (father of Chelsea and Lilly Mayfield and stepfather of Max and Ian, his girlfriend Laura's sons), Christina Lynne Sexton (mother of Rebecca Dison and Joshua Sexton), David Paul Mayfield and wife Debbie (stepfather of John and Christopher McCary), and Gail Lorraine Hewitt and husband Tom (mother of Zane and Mitch Wright and Aaron and Adam Hewitt); also Brandon's life partner, Laura Gonzales, mother of his step sons Max and Ian. All together four children, one son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, eight grandchildren and four step-grandchildren.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held in Spring 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Best Friends Animal Society, reflecting his love for animals and commitment to a better world. Don’s legacy of kindness, integrity, and love will forever inspire those who knew him.