Maynard Leo Boatwright
June 14, 2013
Maynard Leo Boatwright, 87, died June 14, 2013. Services will be Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 3100 Easton Blvd. The family will greet friends Tuesday, June 18, 2013, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens.
Maynard, born Christmas Eve 1925, was a gift to his parents, Fannie Alice (Speck) and Kenneth Leo Boatwright, and to his family and friends.
A life-long resident of Des Moines, Maynard graduated from East High in 1944, where he won many track competitions and later was inducted into the Des Moines East High Athletic Hall of Fame.
Maynard married Marcene Frances (McCollum) in 1947, and had three children: Dan Maynard, Michael Dean, and Cynthia May. After Maynard and Marcene’s divorce, Maynard met Barbara Lee (Moorman) Frantz while working part-time at the Iowa Children and Family Services. They wed August 6, 1960, and Maynard became stepfather to Barbara’s children: Gary Dean and Steven Kirk.
The family joined First Presbyterian Church, where Maynard served many roles until his death. He also worked Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners provided by the East Des Moines Cluster of Churches.
Maynard first worked at his brother’s plating shop, then joined the Des Moines Fire Department in 1951. He advanced through the ranks and retired as District Fire Chief Training Officer in 1987. Maynard’s co-workers became his best friends. Off the job, he helped establish and operate the Hall of Flame at the Iowa State Fair. He was active in the Des Moines Association of Professional Fire Fighters, along with other firefighter associations, and judged firefighter competitions.
After Maynard’s retirement, he became a doorkeeper for the Iowa House of Representatives. Maynard returned each session for the next 23 years. He was appointed Sergeant-at-Arms and retired in 2011.
Maynard led a Boy Scouts Webelo troop, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Za-Ga-Zig Shrine. He ran bingo games for Baldwin Patterson American Legion Post 274 and served as Post Commander. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle in parades with the Elks Lodge 98, as well as golfing, bowling, pitching horseshoes, and socializing at the lodge.
Maynard’s dedication to his family extended to all generations before and after him. Weekends were often spent water skiing. Vacations he spent traveling at home and abroad. Maynard avidly supported his kids and grandkids in all their activities. He and Barbara threw fun-filled pool parties and holiday snow-tubing parties.
Maynard is survived by a brother, Kenneth Boatright Jr.; his sons, Dan, Michael (Cindy), Gary, and Steven (Colleen) Boatwright; his daughter, Cynthia (Mark) Perkins; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chad) Peterson, Kevin (Chris) Mann, Jennifer (Pete) Kellis, Eric (Laura) Boatwright, Jennifer (Scott) Cheskiewicz, Jodine (Aaron Loehrlein) Perkins, Tony (Amy) Perkins, Michael Boatwright, and Sara Boatwright; great-grandchildren, Alex and Ty Peterson, Peyton and Kamryn Kellis, Griffin and Katherine Mann, Casey and Kileigh Boatwright, Eleanor Loehrlein, and Kelenn Perkins.
Maynard’s parents, and siblings, Ethel Piper and Mary (Tiny) Katzmann, preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution to his church is suggested.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Peggy & Woody Fogle
06/19/2013
Maynard was a class act. Peggy worked with him at the Police/Fire Academy nearly 30 years ago and we always thought the world of him. He was a true gentleman. We have run into him several times throughout the years and so enjoyed catching up. The world was a much better place and we were much better people for having known Maynard.
Doug Katzmann
06/18/2013
My father always reminded me to count my blessings. Uncle Maynard you have been counted, and I will truely miss you. Your sage advice and life by example is a blessing for all who knew you. Your passing through this world has made it a better place for all you have touched.
Debbie & Linda D & L Cleaning
06/18/2013
We so enjoyed visiting with Maynard he was a joy to talk with. He always had a question for us to make sure he was doing laundry correctly or how he was doing keeping house since Barbara passed. He always made us laugh with one of his stories. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Deb Fisk
06/18/2013
I was a pleasure to have Maynard in our SilverSneakers exercise program and QiGong class at the Mercy Wellness Center. He was so friendly and nice to all class members. We will miss him!!
Coralee Funaro
06/17/2013
Uncle Maynard was such a dear man! His kindness was reflected in everything he did. I have many fond memories of visits with him and Barbara, of their hospitality, good humor, and love. He will be missed. I pray the blessings of God and the comfort of the Holy Spirit to be with the family during this difficult time.
State Representative Mary Gaskill
06/17/2013
To the Family,
Maynard was such a pleasant Doorman at the House. He was always such a gentleman. I'm very thankful to have had the opportunity to have known him.
Mary Lou and Mike Goodman
06/17/2013
Every family should have an uncle like Maynard. He always had time for the youngsters and unknowingly, provided a lasting role model. We so enjoyed the cookouts when visiting Des Moines, the lively political discussions and listening to his corny jokes. He was the consummate docent, leisurely riding around town in his Camero and giving special tours of the Capital. He was an ardent spokesperson for Iowa and Iowan's midwest values. We will dearly miss Maynard for so many reasons.
Niece Mary Lou & husband Mike Goodman
Ferne G. Bonomi
06/17/2013
It was a great pleasure to see the facts of Maynard's life set forth so well in the newspaper this morning. Our paths crossed often during the years when I was handling public relations and writing publications for the Iowa Children's Home Society. Maynard was always reliable, always constructive, always above reproach, frequently assisting in our dealings with the distressed and misguided teenagers in our care in group homes and foster families. And an exceptionally considerate husband to my good friend Barbara -- I recall his constructing a heated pool at home to ease her troublesome back. . Quite simply, he was a good man. And an enduring role model.
Roger and Rosemary Thomas
06/16/2013
Dear Maynard Family and Friends,
We feel very blessed to have been a part Maynard's life for 15 years. He was always so gracious, kind and witty - a true Democrat.
We enjoyed returning to Des Monies each year for legislative session knowing that Maynard would have the cottage ready for us.
We are saddened by his passing but know he is now eternally with Barbara.
We extend our deepest sympathy,
Roger & Rosemary Thomas