Obituary of Duane O. Mayfield
Duane Mayfield
10/15/1935 – 12/19/2017
Duane suddenly passed peacefully into eternity after a long battle with illness. Thankfully he is no longer struggling with the ravages done to his mind and body, he is with his best friend Jesus and the many family members and friends who have gone before him.
Duane leaves behind, his beloved wife Ruth, and her children and grandchildren. In Fresno, California, he leaves behind, 3 sons and their wives (Mark & Vicky, Martin & Crystal, John & Kim), 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren all from a previous marriage. He is survived by a sister, Phyllis Shokraii, and his sister-in-law Glenda and their families, all in California. (Duane’s brother Bud recently passed in November.)
Duane was born in Oklahoma and has lived primarily in California with many trips to Israel since 1982. He has been a minister most of his life. He was ordained as a pastor in 1952, and served as senior pastor for five churches in California and one in Oklahoma. He attended and taught at Pepperdine and California State University at Fresno. He was an editor and contributor for the Christian Appeal magazine. Past Producer and Speaker for "Direction," a daily drive-time comment, radio program in Fresno, California.
He has served as an itinerate pastor since 1982 in California and Israel without a salary. Most recently Duane co-founded Horizon Ministries with his wife Ruth, and served from 2005 to 2009 on the leadership team of the Narkis Street Congregation in Jerusalem, Israel. They traveled to Uganda twice and around the US in ministry while living in Jerusalem, until Duane was no longer well enough to travel. His health issues began with a severe blood infection occurring in 2007. In 2009, Duane and his wife re-located to Rochester, NY for health reasons. He has lived at St. Anne’s Nursing Home for the past 2 years. Bethel Christian Fellowship became Duane church family since moving to Rochester. He will be missed by both staff and many members who became dear friends.
Duane was a man of deep faith and anointing that God has used to minister to countless people he has met in his journeys. He met and ministered to many in Israel from around the world. He is a pastor, not only by profession but because of his personality and anointing. He is a pastor of pastors and is like a father to all. He is remembered for prayers with strong authority and often spoke bold words of life and encouragement into the souls of those he spoke with. In Israel, Duane might be seen chatting with Orthodox Rabbi’s, Arab or Jewish pastors or any of the ministers and visitors from the nations of the world. He was most proud of his three sons and their families, their contributions to their community and churches, and especially their faith in God passed on to the next generations.
A memorial service will be held on Sat. Jan. 6, at 11am at Bethel Christian Fellowship, 321 East Ave. Rochester, NY 14604
Memorial donations may be made at horizonministries .org
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dierna Funeral Home and Bethel Christian Fellowship for their support and blessing during this time.
