Eli C. Mayfield, 87 of Palacios, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2006. He was born October 13, 1918 in Shongaloo, Louisiana to the late James T. Mayfield and Rosa McEachern Mayfield.

Eli Mayfield came to Palacios in 1941 when he was stationed at Camp Hulen. He met Wanda Fields who became his wife and soul mate. After his military service he attended law school at the University of Houston graduating in 1952 and opened a law office in Palacios. Eli continued to serve his country as Commanding officer of the Army Reserve Unit of Palacios until it disbanded in 1953.

Eli Mayfield was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Palacios. He served as lay minister, director of the youth choir in the 1940's, taught a Sunday school class and served as Chairman and member on the Administrative Council and building committee.

His civic contributions included:Active member and director of Palacios Golf Association which he had helped to build. Active member of the Mid Coast Canal Association. Director and member of the Board of Directors of LCRA, serving as Chairman in 1976 and 1977. Was instrumental in getting Pollution Control Bonds sold and managed by the Navigation District which netted a percent of sales income to the District for the handling. Was lifetime member and held several offices of the Rotary Club. Prominent State and National Democratic Leader. Member and past commander of VFW Post 2467. Awarded Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 1987. Member of the Matagorda County Bar Association. Member of the Texas State Bar Association. Licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court. Served as Palacios City Attorney for many years. Served as attorney for Matagorda County Navigation District for many years. Eli formed the Palacios Community Foundation as a way of giving financial assistance to numerous organizations. Helped organize Palacios Industrial Foundation which was re-organized with his assistance as City of Palacios Economic Development Corporation. Supporter of Texas Bay Fisherman's Association. Member of Gulf Intercoastal Waterways Assn.

Eli was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Fields Mayfield. He is survived by sons: Mark Mayfield of Palacios, Kent Mayfield and wife Shelly of Wharton, and James Mayfield and wife Shawn of Palacios; by his daughter Wanda Lynn Blalock and husband Price of Seabrook; and by eight grandchildren: Charity Mayfield, Faith Mayfield, Joy Mayfield, Lindsay Mayfield, Wade Mayfield, Price Blalock, Lauren Blalock and William Blalock. He is also survived by his brother: James Roland Mayfield of Shreveport, Louisiana.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 30, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church in Palacios with Rev. June White officiating. Burial will be at the Palacios Cemetery. Pallbearers: Thomas Holsworth, Marvin Curtis, Ted Bates, Jr., Robert Davis, Les Appelt, Steve Marlin, Price Blalock, and Wade Mayfield.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, TX (361)-972-2012.