Larry Mayfield ’64
Owensboro, Ky.
Retired president, Independence Bank
Member, Board of Directors, Independence Bank
“I give to Wesleyan regularly; I want the leadership of my alma mater to know they can depend on me. I encourage Wesleyan alumni to do the same and help our great College prepare her outstanding students to join us in making this a better world.”
“I began working at Wyndall’s Supermarket when I was 13 years old, and I knew I wanted a career in business. I met with business leaders and graduating seniors in Owensboro, and they encouraged me to attend Bowling Green Business University, which I did. I needed to work but could not find a job in Bowling Green, so I asked for my old job back at Wyndall’s. Beginning my second semester, I enrolled at Kentucky Wesleyan and worked full time at Wyndall’s. My major was business administration with a concentration in accounting.
“I never, ever regretted the decision to transfer to Wesleyan. The small classes were very helpful, and my professors made themselves available. This meant a lot, especially since I was carrying 18 hours per semester and working full time.
“After graduation, I joined Central Bank and Trust in Owensboro in an Officer Trainee Program which had recently been established. I worked in all departments for a year before I was promoted to assistant cashier and loan officer.
“Over the years, the ownership changed four times, and I eventually became president. To my dismay, Central Bank was sold to First National Bank of Louisville, which was sold to National City Bank of Cleveland, which was sold to Pittsburgh National Bank of Pittsburgh. Through reorganization, my position as president was eliminated, and I was offered early retirement. Chris Reid was organizing Independence Bank in Owensboro, and he asked me to join him. That was the greatest move of my career! Over the years, I have served Independence Bank in several capacities, including executive vice president and president, and I continue serving on the Board of Directors.
“I have been very blessed throughout my working career. Many people have helped me over some ‘bumps in the road’ through the years. It’s my turn to help others—whether through my church, my civic club or my College— KENTUCKY WESLEYAN COLLEGE! l remember the financial struggles of my college days, and I want to help students as they seek to help themselves.
“Kentucky Wesleyan provides an excellent, well-rounded education, and President Darrell and his team are doing a great job recruiting students who want to make a difference.
“I give to Wesleyan regularly; I want the leadership of my alma mater to know they can depend on me. I encourage Wesleyan alumni to do the same and help our great College prepare her outstanding students to join us in making this a better world.
“I am married to Lamone Alderdice Mayfield, who is retired as director of our seven-county Green River District Health Department, and I have three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. “I served on the Consumer Credit Advisory Board of the Federal Reserve of St. Louis and was elected governor of the Kentucky/West Virginia District of Optimist International. I don’t play golf, hunt or fish, but my passion is travel. I have visited all 50 states and 17 foreign counties.”