Howard Mansfield Obituary

Howard Mansfield died peacefully on October 31, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 8, 1934 in Mishawaka, Indiana. He grew up on a small farm with his parents and older brother, Kenneth Mansfield. Howard is survived by his wife of sixty years, Phyllis Mansfield. Howard and Phyllis Mansfield moved to Brevard in the sixties. They spent many years in Cocoa Beach raising their family of six children.
Howard loved fishing, golfing, and the outdoors. He was interested in nature and in his final months enjoyed listening to the Great Horned Owls that hooted on the island across from the family home. Howard and Phyllis traveled the country exploring the national parks and national wildlife refuges. After his retirement from McDonnell Douglass Aerospace Company he became an avid golfer and active volunteer in the Riverside Presbyterian Church in Cocoa Beach.
Howard came to Brevard in the sixties to work in the aerospace industry. He first worked on the Thor and Delta flight controls for Douglas Aircraft. Later, he worked with the team that engineered flight controls for the Gemini. It was an exciting time in the space race. When Douglass and McDonnell merged his team developed the first guidance system used for the Tomahawk Cruise Missile. Howard enjoyed working as a team member and manager. Projects, puzzles and solving problems appealed to him.
Howard will be remembered for his kind, generous nature. He loved people, especially cherishing his children and grandkids. He had a gift for making people feel at ease. He was a humble man and always looked for the best in people. Those who knew Howard intimately are grateful for having known him and his family will forever hold him dear in their hearts.