Maynard Ray Huntley, 86, passed away peacefully on September 30, in Waco, Texas. He was born on January 18, 1937, in Grafton, Nebraska, the first child of Frederick (Fred) William Huntley and Helen Lucille (Glanz) Huntley. The family 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 & received a BA in mathematics and physics & 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 5 years with Western Electric, NASA hired him over the phone. He worked in the Control Center at NASA as well as on Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle Flights. Maynard headed the group with NASA that developed the contract for the information technology on 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 Astronaut Clayton Anderson.
In 1953, Maynard met Janice (Jan) Tower and they were married in 1956 and remained married for 67 years. They were blessed with two daughters, Lisa and Teri.
Maynard was active in the Nazarene Church and was a leader of the 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; brother Bob Huntley; grandchildren Mandi (Meyers) Powell, Christopher Williams, Brandi Meyers; and three great grandchildren.