Darold "DJ" Mansfield's Obituary
Darold Preston Mansfield, better known simply as “DJ” to his family and closest friends, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 at his home in Tulsa. A Chicago native, born July 15th, 1983 to parents, Darold Farrell Mansfield and Valerie Denise Johnson Mansfield, Darold would later move to Oklahoma into an environment of opportunity and growth that would help shape a man whose legacy will be felt for many years. Spending his high school years at Tulsa Union, the multi-sport athlete quickly developed a reputation for being a dominate presence in whichever sport he chose. His athletic gift was as sure as the seasons. In the winter, you could watch #32 on the basketball court, putting on a clinic of solid technique and shooting form. In the Spring, on Darold’s calendar, Shot Puts heaved through the air and the echo of a Long Jumper hitting their mark before taking off into a pit of sand, meant that Track and Field began. His Summer schedule was filled with the strength and conditioning he needed in preparation for what he quickly learned was Oklahoma’s religion: Football. By most standards Darold started football late, but that didn’t matter. His work ethic and natural gift made him a quick study, receiving 1st Team All-District honors for his role as Outside Linebacker, during the 3 years he started at Union. Darold was unstoppable. As the emotional anchor and leader of the Redskin defensive unit, he racked up an impressive resume of stats that would earn him a Division 1 Football Scholarship tothe University of Toledo, in Ohio, from which he would eventually transfer and continue to leave his athletic and academic mark closer to home at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. While he continued to achieve many athletic accolades while in college, such as, 2nd Team All Lone Star Conference, Darold had wisdom enough to know that his athletic gift was a means to an end. It was graduation and the desire for a sustainable future for his family that were the driving forces of how he spent his time at NSU. He wasn’t only a great athlete because of his physical body, but a huge part of what made him so impressive on the field was his book smarts and his ability to analyze things before they happened. After earning his Bachelors Degree in Accounting, with Honors, from Northeastern State University, Darold pursued and earned his MBA, with Honors, from Oklahoma State University and directed his skills in Analysis in the area of Finance. Darold’s intrinsic ability to analyze things translated into a successful accounting/finance career. From the moment he accepted his first accounting position at LaBarge, Darold quickly rose through the ranks at every organization he was connected to. He will be remembered as a leader who encouraged and inspired his team to grow and achieve both their organizational and individual goals. It’s safe to say that Darold’s passion and pursuit for excellence translated to every aspect of his life. Anyone who knew Darold would be the first to speak about his laugh, his loyalty, and his love to serve people with what he had. He would often spend his time volunteering to help build sets and staging the environment for upcoming sermon series at his place of worship, Life Church, where he was baptized. His heart was good and Darold Preston Mansfield “DJ” will forever be remembered for the love and joy he brought to those who had the honor of knowing him. DJ is survived by his mother, Valerie Mansfield of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his father, Darold Mansfield of Chicago, Illinois; sister, Felicia Mansfield and significant other, Leo Marshall of Tulsa, Oklahoma; son, Kingston Mansfield of Tulsa, Oklahoma; nephews, Nathan Marshall of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Alexander Marshall of Tulsa, Oklahoma; uncle and aunt, William and Lydia Johnson of Columbia, Tennessee; uncle and aunt, Wayne and Robbie Orr of Columbia, Tennessee; aunt and uncle, Portia and Bennie Skinner of Bellwood, Illinois; uncle Carey Farrell of Chicago, Illinois; and a host of cousins, friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Shirley Orr and Annie Farrell. Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019 at Floral Haven Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel with Terri Dawson officiating.In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Family and Children Services in honor of Darold “DJ” Mansfield, 650 S. Peoria, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120.
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