Maynard Ray Huntley

Maynard Ray Huntley was born on January 18, 1937 in Grafton, Nebraska. He was the first child of Frederick (Fred) William Huntley and Helen Lucille (Glanz) Huntley. They 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 five years with Western Electric, NASA hired him over the phone. He worked in the Control Center at NASA as well as on Mercury flights, Gemini flights, Apollo flights and Shuttle Flights. Maynard headed the group with NASA that developed the contract for the information technology for 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 Clayton Anderson, an astronaut.

In 1953 Maynard met Janice (Jan) Tower and they were married in 1956 and remained married for 67 years. They had two daughters, Lisa and Teri.

Maynard was active in the Nazarene church and a leader of a children’s group of Bible Study Fellowship. He mentored in the elementary schools and alternative high school 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,Teri Meyers and brother, Bob Huntley; grandchildren Mandi (Meyers) Powell, Christopher Williams, Brandi Meyers and 3 great grandchildren.