Robert A. Maynard

Robert A. Maynard Died January 25, 2022 TRAVERSE CITY – Robert Alan Maynard, 101 ½, passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 in Traverse City, MI. Robert was born June 4, 1920 in Cleveland, OH, the son of Walter and Ruth Maynard. Bob’s life was marked by a long list of accomplishments and a long list of lives and hearts that he touched deeply. In high school, he was class president and was a member of the track team. Bob was also an Eagle Scout and often commented that his six years in scouting prepared him very well to meet the challenges of life. He attended Albion College for three years before being drafted by the Army in 1942. Before leaving for WWII, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Beatty Deane Harris on March 4, 1943. Bob had over 300 days of front-line combat as a tank destroyer captain in the European theater. He saw action on the Anzio beachhead, Italy, the invasion of southern France, and on to Hitler’s home in Berchtesgaden, Austria. Upon his return from WWII, he graduated from Albion College with a degree in math and physics. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and was honored by that fraternity receiving the national Balfour award. Bob taught math at West Point Academy Preparatory School, worked for Sylvania Electric, Cleveland Tank Plant, and ended his working career with 24 years at Cadillac Motor Car Company of General Motors. After raising five children, four daughters, and one son, he and his wife Betty retired to Suttons Bay, MI, in 1980. Family, church, and community were the focus of his life. Over the years Bob served as treasurer for the Northport Community Hospital, Leelanau Christian Neighbors, and the Leelanau Historical Society. He served on the board of Leelanau School and was the historian for the Rotary Club of Suttons Bay and the Suttons Bay Congregational Church. Bob was a lifelong athlete: running, cross country skiing, and distance walking. He loved to tinker and build intricate custom models, gardens, and genealogy. Bob consistently touched the hearts of all who knew him with his kindness, empathy, sense of humor, and wisdom. He will be equally missed and celebrated. Robert is survived by his four daughters Barbara J. (George) Moeller, Jane (Carrol) Nichols, Mollie (Jerry) Moody, and Nancy (Michael) Pyle, as well as nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Betty Dahlgren, his son Mark (Lori and Skip English) Maynard, and his beloved wife of 76 years, Betty. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church. Following the luncheon, graveside services with military honors will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Suttons Bay Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Hospice of Michigan, 10850 Traverse Highway, Unit 1155, Traverse City, MI 49684 and/or to Suttons Bay Congregational Church, Attn: Music Program, PO Box 70, Suttons Bay, MI 49682. Please share condolences with Robert's family at www.martinson.info. Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.