Donald Maynard

SOUTH ROYALTON—Donald R. Maynard, Sr., 69, died on July 7, 2007 with his wife by his side. He was born in Londonderry, March 13, 1938 to Byron and Doris (Ploof) Maynard and grew up in Chelsea. He served in the Army, stationed in Germany.

He met his future wife, Elsie Lyford, in Chelsea and they were married in 1960. He worked at many jobs to support his family. He worked 25 years at GW Plastics, retiring in 2000. After taking a cross-country trip with his wife, he went to work in retail stores, with BJ’s of West Lebanon, N.H., being the one he liked best. He was chosen as BJ’s Heart Award Person of the Year for the New England Region in 2006.

He and his wife loved children, which led them to becoming foster parents in 1990, and continued to the present.

He and his wife traveled extensively with their friends, Bernie and Ginny Champney. Don shared his love of Nascar racing with his son, Doug, as they attended many races together. One of his other pleasures was getting away to a casino for a day.

He is survived by his wife, Elsie, of South Royalton; his son, Donald Jr. and wife Cheryl of Lee, N.H.; his daughter, Debra Gregory and husband, Todd of Bradford, N.H.; and his son, Douglas of Tunbridge; seven grandchildren: Steven, Trevor, Riley, Matthew, Christopher, Sarah, and Douglass; a foster son, Richard; his brother, Jim Maynard of South Royalton; and sisters, Susan Bowen of South Royalton and Bev Young of Tunbridge.

There will be a private burial service at the convenience of the immediate family. On Wednesday, July 11, a celebration of his life was held at his home on Caron Circle.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: The Don Maynard Athletic Fund, Dept. of D.C.F., 226 Holiday Drive, Suite 32, White River Jct., Vt. 05001 to benefit foster children.

The Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home on Main Street in Chelsea is in charge of arrangements.

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