David E. Mansfield, age 84 a longtime Hobart resident passed away Monday, March 7, 2011 with dignity and grace, as a very proud and private man. He was born on February 10, 1927 in Gary Indiana to the late David H. and Opal Mansfield. David grew up in East Gary and graduated from Edison High School in 1945. He served his country in the U.S. Navy in WWII on the USS Beall and was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 260 in Portage. David worked as a painter and decorator for Loomis decorating in Chesterton. David also worked for many years at Sears as an HVAC technician.

He is survived by 1 daughter, Kathy (Zane) Hendricks-Gray of Brighton, CO; 1 son, David "Randy" Mansfield of Arvada, CO; 1 granddaughter, Brittany A. Hendricks of Arvada, CO; 1 Great-Aunt, Nita Bugarin of Portage, IN; former wife, Barbara A. Friday Newton of Green Valley, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara J. Mansfield in 2006, sister, Donna May Homoky, and step-daughter, Cindy Runyon.

Visitation is Friday, March 11, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. American Legion Service at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Road, Hobart. A chapel committal service will be Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Graceland Cemetery Chapel, Valparaiso, IN with Pastor Bob Burton officiating. Call (219) 942-2109 or online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.