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Maynard remembered for service
Rev. Cledith Campbell speaks during the funeral of Cabell County Magistrate Don Maynard Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
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HUNTINGTON -- More than 200 people turned out Tuesday to say goodbye to Donald E. "Don" Maynard and remember the positive force he was in the community.
Maynard, 52, who died unexpectedly Saturday, May 30, at St. Mary's Medical Center after a heart attack on Friday night, was described at his funeral as a man who spent much of his life saving and helping others.
Maynard was serving his first term as Cabell County magistrate after being elected in November. Maynard previously retired from the Huntington Police Department after 26 years of service.
During the funeral Tuesday afternoon at Big Sandy Superstore Arena, family friend Ed Shaffer read aloud a letter from Maynard's wife. She said her husband had a personality that drew people in like a moth to a flame. He was energetic and loving, fair but tough, and even a great dresser. He loved to talk to people, and a quick trip to the store would inevitably turn into an hourlong event.
"He made time for everyone," she said.
Stephanie Hinkle Maynard said she often teased her husband that he couldn't save the world, but he didn't care. He said that was just the way he was.
Maynard was active, running in local races and heavily involved in the Police Olympics. He organized local concerts, worked on the Tri-State Transit Authority Executive Board and was awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest decorated award a law enforcement officer can receive for risking his life to save others. He also was recognized as police officer of the year, competed in the world's strongest cop contest, and coached track and field at local schools. He attended Marshall University and graduated from the West Virginia State Police Academy.
The Rev. Cledith Campbell, who officiated at the funeral, said Don Maynard enjoyed life.
"With a smile on his face, he believed he could do the impossible. At least he would try," he said.
Campbell watched Don Maynard grow up and progress through his career. He started out as a paramedic. Campbell remembers when he responded to a vehicle accident soon after he started his new job. He told him he was proud.
"He said, 'I was just doing my job,'" Campbell said.
Later, Don Maynard went to the preacher for advice when he was considering work as a police officer. Campbell told him he could be anything he wanted.
Shortly afterward, Campbell was at vacation Bible school when a flash flood occurred in the area. Word got out that a boy who had been playing in the water was stuck in a drain. When Campbell arrived, he saw Maynard on his hands and knees, holding the boy's head up out of the water until others could free him from the drain.
"I guess since Donald was a first responder, he thought he always had to be there first," Campbell said.
When Don Maynard was going to retire from the police department, he again consulted the preacher. He said he was thinking about going into politics and he felt called to run for magistrate.
Campbell remembers one of their last conversations a few weeks ago.
He said Don Maynard told him, "When I was elected to be magistrate, the very first time they called me 'Your Honor,' they called me 'Judge,' I can't tell you how I felt," he said.
Campbell said the feeling was not one of pride, but humility and understanding of the serious responsibility of the position.
Campbell told him, "One of these days, you're going to stand before the great judge. You must be ready."
Stephanie Maynard said her husband enjoyed his career as a police officer and as a magistrate. She said his quirky sense of humor, smile and willingness to help attracted many people to him.
"He made many friends in his 52 years on earth," she said in her letter.
On Tuesday, hundreds of friends, family, police officers, coworkers and others attended his funeral. Whether they knew him from his work in the courts or with the local music scene, Stephanie Maynard said everyone in the room was helped by Don.
Campbell said Don Maynard was a positive role model for kids and someone who was a team player even as a boy.
"We're better as a community, we're better as a people, by knowing him," he said.
