Kenneth Lincoln Maynard's Obituary
Kenneth L. Maynard was born on March 10, 1933 in Oakland, California. He was
raised by his grandmother and lived in Berkeley, California until early adulthood.
At the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the United States Army.
As a soldier, he fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Kenneth was awarded the
Purple Heart medal, which he wore with pride. While serving in the U.S. Army, he
fathered four sons: Roland, Rodney, Reginald and Randle. He also traveled many
different places, such as New York, France and Japan. While in Japan, he learned
and spoke the native language fluently. After serving eighteen years in the
military, Kenneth retired and returned to the United States.
He then started working for the United States Postal Service where he met his
second wife, Ora lee, who he was married to for forty-nine years. After retiring
from the postal service, he began to travel and spend time with his family and
friends. Kenneth always enjoyed talking to others and could carry a heartfelt
conversation with anyone he met.
In his final years, Kenneth settled in Ceres, California and became a member of
Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Modesto. In the church, he served as a
Senior Deacon and a member of the church board. Kenneth would attend several
church activities and often encourage others to join. His love for God was
unconditional and he served the Lord until he was called home.
Kenneth was an only child; he grew up in Richmond and Berkely California where he attended school. He later served in the United States Army and retired after 20 years of honorable service. During his tenure in the military, Kenneth received the militaries highest combat honor “The Purple Heart”.
Upon retiring from the United States Army Kenneth was employed as a truck driver with the United States Postal Service. Kenneth met and married Ora Mitchell while working at the Postal Service.
They were married for 48 year and enjoyed traveling and seeing the world. Kenneth retired from the Postal Service and continued to work as a Transportation Officer for the Juvenile Justice Department in San Leandro California.
Kenneth was an avid collector of all kinds of clocks. He will always be remembered as a hard worker and a man who never tolerated foolishness. He eventually joined Progressive Baptist Church in Modesto California where he became a deacon under the leadership of Pastor Tyler.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, his son Reginald Maynard, and leaves to cherish his wife Ora Maynard, sons Roland (Bessie), Rodney, Randle and stepchildren and a host of grandchildren, family, and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Kenneth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kenneth?
Share a story where Kenneth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kenneth you’ll never forget.
How did Kenneth make you smile?