Gordon Richard Mansfield, age 90, passed away July 12, 2024, in Allen, Texas. He was born on January 24, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois to his loving parents Austin William Mansfield and Lois Rae (Russell) Mansfield.
Gordon grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he attended elementary and high school. He enlisted into the United States Navy on August 19, 1952. Throughout his Naval Career, Gordon served in the Vietnam Conflict, earning the Air Medal (4 stars), Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), and multiple Good Conduct Medals. He retired as a Lieutenant on September 1, 1971. Gordon received his Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering at Purdue University, and his Master Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arkansas. After retirement from the U.S. Navy, Gordon worked for Texas Instruments, and for the Government as his own business, Mansfield Associates.
Gordon met the love of his life, Martha LaRue Basinger, and they married on July 30, 1954, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Raising their four children brought them many years of joy and countless cherished memories.
Gordon's life was a tapestry woven with diverse hobbies and adventures: from the intricate world of Ham Radio to friendships on the golf course, from hunting and motorcycle riding to the depths of scuba diving and precision of archery. Amidst these thrilling pursuits, his greatest joy was in the company of his cherished family and friends where he found true happiness and fulfillment.
Gordon is survived by his beloved wife, Martha LaRue Mansfield, of Allen, Texas; sons, Kent Mansfield (Destinee), of Dallas, Texas, and Keith Mansfield (Janie) of Tyler, Texas; daughters, Cheryl Perlich (Kevin), and Chrissa Hollingsworth (Luke), both of Allen, Texas; thirteen grandchildren, Kerra Gentzel (Kirk), Shelley Swaim (Chris), Kyle LeBlanc, Nikki Mansfield, Jessica Trivett (Johnny), Colin Mansfield, Jade Chavez (Rene), Katie Griffin (Brad), Ashlyn Mansfield, Shelby Garayua (Chris), Kaedyn Hollingsworth, Kenzie Hollingsworth, and Cash Hollingsworth; fourteen great grandchildren; brothers, Michael Mansfield (Kathy) and David Mansfield (Carol); and many other loving family members and friends, who will miss him dearly.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Lois (Russell) Mansfield; and brothers, Jim Mansfield, and Kevin Mansfield.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 2:00 pm, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/gordon-richard-mansfield. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service with Full Military Honors.
The family will receive guests during a visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday evening at the funeral home.