John William Mayse, Sr. Mayse Jr.

To John William Mayse, Jr, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For John, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. John really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

John was born on October 9, 1946 at Boone County Hospital in Boone, Iowa. His parents were John and Frances Mayse. John was raised in Fraser, Iowa. Even as a child, John had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. John was raised with six sisters: Nadine, Freda, Alma, Marjorie, Evelyn and Irene. Always a good playmate, John was easygoing and fun loving.

He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, John experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well.

In his spare time, he liked fishing and caring for his horse.

It could be said that for John, grades may not have been the most important thing to him, but he really did enjoy his school experience. He liked hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” John attended Grand Community in Boxholm, Iowa, where he completed the 11th grade. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was History. The teachers he enjoyed learning from the most were Edith Tilley and Nayse Dougherty. John was on television in the mid 1960s on the Ted Mack show. He played guitar while his friend, Doug Runyan, sang "Whispering Pines".

John never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed John to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, John was always right at home putting on a show among his friends. John utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, some of his best friends were Butch Fagins, Doug Runyan, Leo Ray, and Dwight Robinson. Later in life, he remained friends with Butch Fagins.

The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made John very easy to approach. He was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

John married Rebecca Berg on Jan 15, 1965. They later divorced. On May 16, 1986 John exchanged wedding vows with Colleen C. Hoyle at the First Baptist Church in Boone, Iowa.

John was blessed with three children one son, John Ross Mayse, and two daughters, Katheryn Lynn Mayse and Marcia Irene Sherrard and two stepchildren Bradly Dean Hoyle and Shane Jeromie Hoyle. He was also blessed with 11 grandchildren: John, Bronson, Jordan, Katlynn, Carston, Bridgit, Meagan, Aidan, Trevor, Ross, Patrick,and four step grandchildren: LaKeisha , Jaina, James, and Morgan and one step grandson Carter. John's compassionate side prevented him from being a strict disciplinarian, and he could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. In fact, John had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

At work, as in life, John was a real “people person. ” He had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. When dealing with various projects and problems, John was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. John's talent for being a down-to-earth thinker, allowed many around him to see John as an excellent problem solver. John implemented the tradition of “Passion for people” and passed on to others his fervor for excellent customer service, kindness to others and sense of humor. His customers and fellow staff alike nick named him “Uncle Grumpy” due to his “dry” sense of humor and “grumpy” posture, but everyone knew his dedication, zeal for his job and devotion to everyone. He never had a mean bone in his body. A true team player in all his accomplishments, he demonstrated true “Old School” common sense tactics and appreciation of job and his work environment. John took ownership and dignity in all he did! His primary occupation was a truck driver, which he did for 40 years.

His favorite pursuits were collecting guns and golf balls, fishing, and playing video poker. He also liked singing and play his banjo, guitar and the harmonica. John was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Recreational sports included slow pitch softball, volleyball, and badminton. John was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were bull rides.

A generous person who often wore his heart on his sleeve, John often found himself involved in activities he deemed important. He was charitable, kind and giving, qualities that made him a natural volunteer. John served on the City Council in Fraser , Iowa.

Naturally outgoing and generous, John was regularly doing things for others. For him, the gift of giving to others was second nature. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, John was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. He received an award and cash bonus for 20 years employment, but returned it when he realized he had only been there for 18 years. He was a very honest person.

John enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. He never met a stranger anywhere. He enjoyed visiting with people and could start a conversation with anyone. His favorite vacation was San Diego, Califonia and going to the beach.

John was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. One of John's favorites was Toby, a cockatiel bird. They were best friends for 24 years. His family was rounded out by his cat, George, several dogs, and a duck.

John passed away on May 27, 2010 at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. John had a heart attack in 2007 and had various other health problems since. He is survived by his loving wife, Colleen, children: John, Kathi and Marcia, Bradly and Shane. Four sisters: Nadine, Freda, Evelyn, and Irene. John's memorial will be held June 19, 2010 at Waters Edge Church in Ogden, Iowa. John was cremated and graveside services will be held at a later date.

John brought joy to all of those around him. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. John William Mayse, Jr lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.