Delbert Lee "Bert" Mansfield

Delbert Lee "Bert" Mansfield, 81, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at Barone Alzheimer Care Center in Nevada. He was born on Dec. 28, 1931, in Aberdeen, S.D., to Frank William Mansfield and Florence Hazel Washnok Mansfield. He married Janice Dell Cowherd on Nov. 26, 1960, in Bogard, Mo., and she survives of the home.

Bert was raised in Aberdeen, S.D., and graduated in 1949 from Central High School in Aberdeen. In 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force retiring after 20 years of service in 1970 with the rank of Major. Bert flew an F-4 Phantom Fighter in 144 combat sorties with 100 missions over North Vietnam in 1967/1968. He was awarded The Air Medal on Feb. 5, 1968, and The Distinguished Flying Cross on May 15, 1968. He worked as a corporate pilot for Farm & Home Savings & Loan for 19 years, retiring in 1989. Bert was a lifetime member of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, a lifetime member of the Nevada Elks Lodge No. 564, a lifetime member of the VFW, and a member of the Nevada Country Club. He enjoyed pheasant hunting in Iowa and South Dakota and playing golf.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Janice, include two sons, Martin Mansfield and his wife, Mary, Frisco, Texas, and Kevin Mansfield and his wife, Kelly, Nevada; five grandchildren, Lakyn Mansfield, Hannah Mansfield, Jacob Mansfield, Parris Mansfield, and Payte Mansfield; one great-granddaughter, Stratton Mansfield; one brother, Jack Mansfield and his wife, Marilyn, Victorville, Calif.; one sister, Connie Barton and her husband, Lonnie, Newton, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Delton Mansfield.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 5, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with the Rev. Greg Ferree officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park, Nevada. Friends may call now and until the hour of service and the family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m., Tuesday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Contributions to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

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