Jack L. Mayhew, 81

Jackson Lee Mayhew was the unique and wonderful creation of the LORD, whom He entrusted t o Norman Pratt and Ellen Marie (Cox) Mayhew. The LORD brought him into this fallen world on October 8, 1942 in Cody. He was the second of three such blessings to Norman and Marie, along with older brother Sidney and younger brother Daniel.

Jack came to know the trouble of living in a sinful world at an early age. His father was drafted into the army during World War II and was killed while serving in the line of duty in France, November 10, 1944, when Jack was only two years old. His mother married Lester Dooley on January 14, 1946, and Jack was blessed with two older stepsisters Donna and Reva, and later a younger brother, Tom. Events like these enabled him to see and appreciate how the LORD does indeed shower His blessing upon us even as we live in a world corrupted by sin.

It was not just the world around him that was corrupted by sin. Like every child born of a human father since the Fall into sin, Jack was born dead in sin and in need of spiritual rebirth. Through another work of God’s grace, Jack’s parents were invited by a friend and coworker to attend church at Zion Lutheran in Valentine. Lester and Marie began attending there, and on May 25, 1952, Jack and his brothers were washed of all their sins through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Jack attended grade school at Zion, and took Confirmation classes there as the LORD established and nurtured his faith in the one and only Savior from sin. He publicly confirmed his faith in Jesus through the rite of Confirmation at Zion June 10, 1956. Through these formative years and events the LORD was forming and fashioning Jack for his walk as a redeemed child of God and years of future service in His kingdom.

Jack attended high school and graduated from Valentine High School in 1960. After graduation he moved to Los Angeles, CA for a time where he learned carpentry and later worked with his stepfather, Les Dooley, in construction when he returned to Valentine.

When he was only 18 years old he left his former church and became a founding member of the Church of the Lutheran Confession and later, the new congregation, Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in Valentine. He joyfully served his Savior in service to both of these organizations for the rest of his earthly life.

He also used his knowledge and gifts in construction in the service of his neighbor. He was known for helping out with small projects for widows or elderly people in town as well as large projects for ranchers, homeowners, and businesses in and around Valentine. While the LORD used him to build many houses throughout his life, Jack knew that his Savior Jesus had already built an eternal house for him in heaven through His perfect life and death on the cross.

The LORD also blessed Jack with the precious gift of a Christian wife and companion. April 18, 1974, Jack was united in Christian marriage to Louise Ann Sponem. In the following years the LORD blessed them with the gift of five children: Nathanael, Andrew, Anna, Philip, and Stephen. He and Louise made regular use of the LORD’s Word and Sacrament through regular attendance at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church, brought their children to Baptism, and even made use of the opportunity for Christian education at Grace Lutheran School in Valentine and Immanuel Lutheran High School in Eau Claire, WI. While this was a great sacrifice, Jack knew that such instruction and work was not in vain. As his children grew up and started lives on their own, he found great joy and comfort in seeing the LORD “build the house” as He worked through the lives of the family the LORD had given him.

Throughout his life, Jack reflected the love which the Savior had shown to him by declaring the LORD’s wondrous works through his words and actions. He lived out the Christian faith he had been taught in his youth in many ways. He served his LORD as a faithful husband and father. He also served his LORD in the church. He served in various synod roles in the Church of the Lutheran Confession including 35 years on their KINSHIP Committee, and 16 years on their Board of Missions. He also served his Savior through his involvement in over 20 church and school construction projects across the country in California, Arizona, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Colorado, Illinois, Washington as well as many building projects at his home congregation in Valentine.

In addition to using his gifts in the construction of churches, schools, parsonages, and other buildings he was also very active in his home church in Valentine. Over the years he served as chairman, elder, financial secretary, and on various church boards, as well as a regular delegate to district conferences and synodical conventions.

Jack loved his family and was loved by them. He looked forward to every opportunity he had to spend with them. He also knew his Savior’s love for him, and was moved to respond to that love by serving his LORD in many ways.

Unexpectedly, the LORD called Jack to his eternal home on September 25, 2024 in Norfolk. The time of his earthly service to his LORD God was 81 years, 11 months, 17 days. His ashes will be laid to rest at a future time at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine where they will await the Savior’s return and the resurrection of the body on the Last Day.

Still in their God-given time of Grace here on this earth are his wife, Louise; children, Nathanael and Debra Mayhew of Mankato, MN, Andrew and Dawn Mayhew of Cheyenne, WY, Anna and David Maas, of Valentine, Philip and Whitney Mayhew of Valentine, Stephen and Johannah Mayhew of Cheyenne, WY; 18 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; his brothers, Dan (Phyllis) Mayhew of Valentine, and Tom (Gerri) Dooley of Vermillion, SD; and in-laws Russell and Denise Sponem, Philip Sponem, Nell and Bill Weisensel, and Glen Sponem all of Wisconsin; as well as his church family and many friends and acquaintances.

A Victory Service for Jack Mayhew will be held October 12, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Valentine, 810 W. 3rd St. There will be overflow seating with live-streaming provided. The service will also be available via live-stream online and recorded for future viewing for those unable to make it in person at valentinelutheran. com. Reception to follow the service. Private inurnment at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please, instead, consider making a memorial to a cause that was so close to his heart: spreading God’s Word and the message of Jesus’s Love and Grace to those who need it so desperately. You may make a donation to the MDF (Mission Development Fund) from this link https://clcbookhouse. org/shop/donations/mdf/ or mail a check to Grace Lutheran Church, 810 W. Third Street, Valentine NE 69201, with “MDF” in the memo.

An online guest book is available at www.HolmesFH.com.