Bernard Edward Tencleve, also known as Father, Gramps, Papa Ten, Juddy, Junior and Friend, died Monday, Oct. 12, 2020 on National Farmers Day, after a brief illness at the age of 87, surrounded by his family in his Mayfield, KS, home.

He was born Feb. 18, 1933, in New Blaine, AR, but resided in the Mayfield community since his teenage years with the exception of time serving in the Army (1953-1961). His service included a tour in Germany and service with the Reserves. He was honorably discharged after returning to his Kansas home.

He left Arkansas at the age of 13, landing in the Mayfield community where he found work on a farm.  He worked "sun up to sun down" since that time, providing a legacy and a work ethic for his children and grandchildren and beyond.  He first working for others, and then with his wife established their own farm operation in the Mayfield community. The Tencleve Farms continues today ran by his son, Dennis, and grandson, Jed Tencleve.  His son paid tribute to his father in a video (Salty Media House) "Four Generations of Family Farming Grandpa Tencleve" https://m.youtube.com/watch?v+1sS-8NPIgXQ

Juddy and Joyce Arlene Mortimer wed at the First Christian Church in Wellington, KS, on February 20, 1953.  They celebrated their 67 ^th anniversary in February at her nursing home residence in Wellington. He was a devoted caregiver to Joyce and hours spent with her daily ended only when Covid 19 prevented visitation.

His resume would include skills as farmer, rancher, home builder, carpenter, building contractor, mechanic, and gardener. And it would be remiss to not mention his latest work, that of "Prime Chicken Fryer", an occupation he took up in the last few years after he could no longer take part in the active work of the wheat harvest. "PrimeChicken Fryer" was a mantle he wore proudly, knowing how much good fried chicken soothed the stomachs of the hungry field crew.

He was a member of the Mayfield Federated Church where he served on the Board of Trustees, always available to build or repair furniture in the church and to fix anything that needed fixed.  He was the unofficial "president" of the office at Mayfield Oil Products, arriving early to unlock the office and see that the coffee was brewed and customers were greeted with a smile.   He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, and master gardener of the Mayfield Community Garden.

Juddy was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Rose Ebbing Tencleve of Ft Smith, AR, and a sister Louise Lynn of Olympia, WA. His in laws Leonard and Leveta Mortimer. Survivors include his wife Joyce Tencleve of Wellington Health & Rehab. Children, Dennis Tencleve and wife Mindy, Linda Metzen and her husband Ronnie, Barbara Shannon, all of Mayfield, and Debbie Dorsey and husband Rob of Wichita. Grandchildren are Kristy Jenkins and husband Josh of Greeley, CO, Jed Tencleve and wife Shelby of Mayfield, JR Metzen and wife Chrystal of Lee's Summit, MO; Nathan Metzen and wife Lyndsey of Wellington; Nikki San Roman and husband Teo of Wichita, and Jennifer Metzen, of Mayfield; Robin Dorsey-Anderson and husband David of Park City; Mike Dorsey of Park City and Melodie Heberly and husband Wade, of Gunnison CO and Torin Shannon, of Gunnison, CO. As well as 20 great grandchildren he could call by name up until the end. He was loved by many nieces and nephews who loved him like a father who he loved back, all survive.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Family Farm, 553 South Mayfield Road on Saturday, October 17, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. until "the cows come home."

Memorials may be made to the Mayfield Federated Church or Mayfield Community Center in Bernard's name in lieu of flowers. Memorials donations can be taken or sent to Frank Funeral Home.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.