Obit Amarillo Globe-News (TX) 3 Oct 2009:

"LUBBOCK - Gene "Coach" Mayfield, 81, died Friday, Oct. 2, 2009.

Family burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Quitaque Cemetery in Quitaque. Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Monday in LakeRidge United Methodist Church in Lubbock with the Rev. Don Caywood of Odessa officiating. Arrangements are by Lake Ridge Chapel.

Gene was born Jan. 31, 1928, in Quitaque to the late James Andrew and Irma Graves Mayfield and died Oct. 2, 2009, with his family by his side. He graduated from Quitaque high school and attended one year of college before joining the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. After being discharged from the Army, he finished college on his GI Bill. Gene played quarterback and received his bachelor's and master's degrees from West Texas State University, now West Texas A&M University, in Canyon. While in college, Gene met his future wife, Mary Jean Hoover, and they married in 1950.

He began his head coaching career at Littlefield before moving to Borger in 1958. In 1965, Mayfield took over head coaching duties at Permian High School in Odessa, where he started the school's winning tradition. He also coached at West Texas State University before moving back to Levelland, where he retired from coaching. Gene loved coaching high school boys and is credited for developing the character and athletic abilities in his players. His induction into the Texas High School Coaches Hall of Fame in May 2005 celebrated the history made with his coaches, players and supporters.

Being an outdoorsman, he enjoyed working on the football fields, hunting and fishing with his sons and grandchildren and in retirement being an avid golfer with his friends. His reserved and gentle nature delivered a calm and respectful manner when directing his players. Players and coaches through the years have shared with family members his ability to inspire and change their lives by leading them to meet their potential, which brought them success on the field and in their lives.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jean Mayfield, on Sept. 5, 2005; and a brother, Graves Mayfield.

Survivors left to cherish his memories include two sons, Stan Mayfield and wife Cindy of Lubbock and Steve Mayfield of Dallas; a daughter, Rhonne Gary and husband Dan of Amarillo; six grandchildren, Shane Stewart, Layne Mayfield, Charly Mayfield, Rory Mayfield, Reid Mayfield and Andrew Mayfield; three great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Hunter and Easton Stewart; a brother, Bill Mayfield of Amarillo; and a sister, Jimmie Richmond of Anson.

The family suggests memorials to Alzheimer's Association, 4400 N. Big Spring, Suite C-32, Midland, TX 79705.

Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers will host a gathering of family and friends to celebrate the life of our beloved "Coach," Gene Mayfield from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Clurel E Mayfield