Maynard Ray Huntley, 86, passed away peacefully September 30, in Waco, Texas. He was born on January 18, 1937, in Grafton, Nebraska, the first child of Frederick (Fred) William Huntley and Helen Lucille (Glanz) Huntley. The family lived in Hastings, Nebraska from 1935 until their deaths.
Maynard went to Lincoln Grade School, Junior High School and graduated from Hastings High School. He then went to Hastings College and received a BA in mathematics and physics and a minor in business. Upon graduation, he went to work for Western Electric and was involved with the contract for the Air Defense of the Nation. After 5 years with Western Electric, NASA hired him over the phone. He worked in the Control Center at NASA as well as on Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle Flights. Maynard headed the group with NASA that developed the contract for the information technology on the space station. Because of his knowledge regarding the space program, he also gave tours of NASA to dignitaries including kings, queens, presidents and vice presidents. Maynard was instrumental in the recommendation and hiring of Astronaut Clayton Anderson.
In 1953, Maynard met Janice (Jan) Tower and they were married in 1956 and remained married for 67 years. They were blessed with two daughters, Lisa, and Teri.
Maynard was active in the Nazarene Church and was a leader of the children’s group of Bible Study Fellowship. He mentored in elementary schools and alternative high schools, and he was a volunteer for Boys and Girls Club of America in Georgetown, Texas.
Maynard was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother, Wayne Huntley.
Maynard is survived by his wife, Jan; daughters, Lisa Williams, and Teri Meyers; brother, Bob Huntley; grandchildren, Mandi (Meyers) Powell, Christopher Williams, Brandi Meyers; and three great grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time.
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Maynard was my cousin, and he was a wonderful, beautiful man. His sense of humor was the very best.
I have many wonderful childhood memories of this very, very special cousin. My thoughts and prayers are with Jan, Lisa and Teri, and their families.
God Bless,
Geraldine
Maynard was a mentor at Village Elementary in Georgetown where I worked as a secretary. He was a wonderful man who was kind and sweet and funny. He was a great mentor and the children loved his gentle nature. I fondly remember our conversations in the teacher’s lounge. He talked lovingly of his family and I know he will be greatly missed.
Jan, I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you during this time. I didn’t know you and Maynard very long, but I am praying for peace and comfort to you and your family.
Blessings to you,
Donna Burzynski
I had the privilege of knowing Maynard and Jan at Georgetown Church of the Nazarene. We were in the same Sunday School class and went on several field trips and other social events. Maynard is living with Jesus who is not the God of the dead but of the living.