Harold J. Maynard

Racine – Harold J. Maynard, 85, passed away on Saturday, May 19, 2007. He was born in Racine on September 28, 1921, son of the late Charles and Bertha (nee: Kuehl) Maynard. On August 4, 1945 he was married to Pearl Sebastian, who has preceded him in death.

Harold enlisted in the army air corps in October 1942. On May 10, 1944 his aircraft was shot down by enemy fire over France. He was interred in Stalag Luft IV (a P.O.W. camp) in Poland until February 6, 1945 when he and 10,000 other airmen were force-marched for 86 days and across 600 miles during one of the cruelest winters on record. In May 2000 he returned to Poland to visit the site of Stalag Luft IV to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the victory over Nazi German forces. While there he was honored by the Polish government for his contribution and sacrifice to that end.

He was a member of the City of Racine Fire Department for 35 years, retiring at the rank of Captain. He enjoyed bowling and golf, breakfast and dinner at Rooster’s, and Park-in. He was a member of the Racine Retired Firefighters; Teamsters local 43; VFW post 1391; Milwaukee Barb Wire Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War, Inc.; 9th Air Force Association, 585th Bombardment Squadron, 394th Bomb Group; B-26 Marauder Historical Society; and the Tuesday Johnson Park Men’s Golf League.

He is survived by his sons and their wives, David and Lyn Maynard of Asheville, N. Carolina, Alan Maynard, Robert and Terri Maynard, and Charles Maynard; grandchildren, Angela, Elliott, Ian, and Reese Maynard; and sister Eleanor Sorensen all of Racine; as well as other relatives and friends. He was also preceded by his brothers, Victor and James Maynard, and sisters, Laura Hintz and Evelyn Cocking.

Memorial Services will be held in the funeral home at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 with Rev. Cary Winn officiating. Visitation will be from 4-6 pm. Internment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery on Hwy 32 on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. with military honors.