Allen James Maynard

Born May 3, 1922, in Trenary, a son of Rufus and Laura (Finch) Maynard, Allen was raised in Trenary until the age of 16, when the family relocated to the Harvey area. Like so many young men of his era, Allen left school at age 17 and joined the Army Air Corps on May 13, 1941, desiring to serve his country and do his part during World War II. Allen proudly served until his honorable discharge on September 9, 1945, having been involved in the battles and campaigns of Tunisia, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, India-Burma, Central Burma, and China. Honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant, Allen returned to the area where he met Loraine Flink. The two began dating and thinking about marriage, but Loraine had a stipulation, she wanted assurance of a “roof over her head” before she would commit. Allen began building a house, and on August 15, 1947 the couple was married, united in a bond that would remain firm through four children, numerous grandkids and great-grandkids, and endure challenges, sorrows, and joys for 73 years.

The couple made their first home on Pioneer Road. Allen was employed at various jobs before beginning a long career with the Marquette Area Public Schools as a custodian, retiring in 1984. In his spare time, Allen enjoyed the companionship of family, especially the grandkids, and friends. His favorite past times centered around woodcutting, forestry, gardening, making maple syrup, spending time in nature, camping, birdwatching (especially eagles), and eating Loraine’s cooking.

He had a great sense of humor and liked mentoring his children and grandkids in the hobbies and interests he enjoyed. Allan was a member of the Skandia United Methodist Church, Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, the American Legion, and VFW.

Allen is survived by his wife, Loraine; his children, James Maynard, David Maynard, Barbara (Michael) Anthony, and Jean (Dave) Brown; his grandchildren, James (Becky) Maynard, Jr, Jeremy (Michelle) Maynard, Jeff (Viki) Maynard, Kristine Paisley, Trenton (Kayla) Maynard, Victoria (Gabe) Ellis, Rachael (Dave) Koepp, Jenny Anthony, Jon (Amanda) Anthony, Matt (Kristin) Brown, and Andy (Mandy) Brown; great-grandchildren, Derrick (Kaylin) Maynard, Amanda (John) Wright, Abbey Hall, Ally Hall, Lucas Maynard, Austin Maynard, Dylan Maynard, Josh Letson, Abria Maynard, Kayleigh Green, Mateo Anthony, Jessen Barber, Rowan Barber, Eleanor Brown, and Oliver Brown; great- great-grandchildren, Trevor Wright, Tessa Wright, Kennedy Maynard, Andrew Letson, Milo Maynard, and Daniel Hoevker; and many nieces and nephews that were all very special to him.

In addition to his parents, Allen was preceded in death by his siblings, Charles Maynard, Dora (the late Ed) Ward, Grant (the late Maureen) Maynard, Paul (the late Kay) Maynard, and Francis Maynard.

Arrangements for services will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com