.png)
Research by definition presumes the possibility of finding the unexpected, a twist that always existed waiting to be exposed. Sitting on the couch this afternoon, taking a mental-health break midday, I Googled a topic I have chased in the past with no actual results. Today, the unexpected revealed a new, although disappointing, sequel.
Three events have, to my amazement, intersected. All the pieces existed, each in their own fissure. Now, by chance, like most of my episodes, I find a thread to follow.
Inside of my recently published website there is a story titled the Kenneth Maynard Story. The featured story, one that haunted me for months until I could write, publish and share with group members on Facebook and the Website version. If you have yet to read the yarn, do so or take some time to reread.
I’ll wait. Ready?
At the conclusion of the Kenneth Maynard Story, I stated, “Perhaps someone, someday having known Rexford and Virginia, will possess and provide some details and will share their knowledge and allow me to amend this story.” I had my doubts, but today I have a second chapter.
I centered the original story around a few scrapes of newsprint. How a child's life ended. Accidents flow along a continuum from spilt milk to catastrophic. Pencil, this one was tragic. It is a story that has replayed in my mind many times.
Scene I.
A child died because of a mishap. I am sure everyday children die caused by an unintended series of events. I can think of several, but this strikes me as personal. It is here I felt a family connection. I did not know any of the actors, the son of a second cousin, once removed. Never met the family. Twelve miles separate us. An attendee of family reunions true, but I was too young to attend. My parents must have known them personally, must have known the story, stories I never recall them sharing. There was a time they were seeking family histories. They must have known, but I was in my world.
Still, I have many questions, information one gathers through an interview with participants. Even realizing I would unlikely locate those who might offer some insight, possible but implausible.
Scene II.
As I studied Family history in My Family Tree, on the internet, Facebook searches and news clipping identified other family members with untold stories identified by untold relatives. The digging about and energy needed to connect these individuals I find time and labor intensive.
Now we have Lynn Dewey Maynard, a Gillett raised soldier, “… awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic achievement in action.” Outstanding, more stories to research, filling my days, and needing to be shared. I will file this away for future research. Only now am I slowly connecting names and events. There are others who have served in the military whose stories should be told.
Scene III.
A day does not slip by that a family name from the past or present slips through without catching my attention. There I was, half seated, partially reclined on the couch after reading, refocusing for the moment. I read…
Google: Star Gazette Maynard… and there it was “Lynn Dewey Maynard Obituary - Star Gazette”
The name sort of rang a bell, looked familiar.
Below read, “Olthof Funeral Home,” another name I recognized! My interest peaked.
Obituary (copied as printed in newspaper)
Lynn Dewey Maynard
Gillett - Age 98, went peacefully to be with his Lord, Friday, February 7, 2020, at his home in Gillett, PA. Lynn was born in Gillett on January 12, 1922, a son of the late Cola and Mae (Wright) Maynard. Surviving Lynn is his son, Gary Maynard, of Gillett, PA; granddaughter, Shawna Stoner; great-grandchildren, Dylan Stoner and Sean Riley Stoner; dear friends, Collette and Marvin Roberts and Colleen Kane; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Ruth (Gordon) Maynard; daughter, Linda Haxton; brothers Melvin, Rexford, and Lester Maynard; sister, Pauline Woods; and special friend, Phyllis Ward. Lynn was a graduate of Troy High School. He went to work for Bendix from 1939 until he went into the Army, and served from 1942 until 1945, Company F, Second Battalion, 85th Infantry. Most of his time was spent in Italy where he was a courier. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic action in Italy, after he and another soldier went behind enemy lines to deliver a crucial message to another battalion. After the war, he returned to Gillett, PA, and married Ruth Gordon on April 12, 1947. Lynn went back to work for Bendix, until he retired in 1975 after 32 years. He then had a lawn and garden business from 1969 until 1974, sold Fireview wood stoves from 1977 to 1980, and also drove a school bus for twenty years. He was on the Troy School Board for 14 years. He is a charter member of the South Creek Lions Club, a member of the Troy Masonic Lodge, and a member of the Gillett Baptist Church. Grateful recognition is given to caregivers, Ginger Kostecky, Hazel Broock, Vicki Bennett, Marj Pellor, Towanda Hospice, and the VA Health Care Network. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the Gillett Baptist Church, 33241 PA-14, Gillett, PA 16925 on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at the church on Wednesday, February 12th at 11:00 am with Rev. Donald Maynard and Pastor Micky Cavanaugh celebrating Lynn’s life. The interment will follow in the Gillett Cemetery where the Tioga County Honor Guard will accord Mr. Maynard with Military Honors and the clergy will conduct the committal prayers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Gillett Baptist Church. Lynn’s tribute wall can be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com
Posted online on February 08, 2020
Reading the first word, Gillette rang a bell because this is a region where many Maynards lived in the late 1800s, early 1900s, and are still calling home today. As I continued to read noted familiar names: Cola and Marvin Maynard, his military service and BINGO, Rexford, his brother. There it was, a relative, his brother. Then realized, I had missed an opportunity to gather more information! He passed away on February 7, 2020, 649 days ago, that is simply 1 year, 9 months, 10 days. Other relatives connected to Rexford that now could provide a source of information, below.
Pauline May Maynard b. Sept. 12, 1912 d. Jul. 25, 1994
Melvin Maynard b. Aug. 12, 1914 d. Oct. 16, 1945
Rexford Maynard b. Aug. 31, 1916 d. Jan. 23, 2000
Lynn Dewey Maynard b. Jan. 12, 1922 d. Feb. 7, 2020
Lester C. Maynard b. May 11, 1927 d. Feb. 20, 2017
Collette and Martin Roberts and Colleen Kane, dear friends
and several nieces and nephews.
To think if I had started my journey years earlier, there was the possibility of meeting and interviewing these primary sources.
Epilogue:
First, realizing I will never meet Rexford or Lynn must trust for now the insights I can glean from reading their obituaries. Their lives centered on family, friends and community. Both born and raised in Gillette, Pennsylvania, members of the Gillette Baptist Church. Rexford married to his spouse for 57 years, Lynn married to his 65 years.
Second, here’s hoping individuals that read this story can and will reach out and add to the history of these family members, especially Kenneth Maynard.
Anyone know Gary Maynard?
Finally, I was once told that fifty years after my demise, no one would remember me. That unless famous or infamous, we all would merely fade away. Kenneth Maynard tragically and accidentally died in 1946, 76 years ago, is, for me, more than just a fading headstone.
Comments