Maynard Boatwright
Des Moines
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 step-father 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.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I was Honored to work with Maynard at
the Legislature, a Gentleman always
who added a spot of sunshine with his
smile and a little joke. A sincerely
kind thoughtful person who will be
missed by all who knew him.
Joyce Hendrix
June 19, 2013
What an incredible person. Chief Boatwright was my training academy D.C. He was a wonderful individual to have known. He taught a large number of young firefighters the essentials of being a DSM firefighter. He had many friends was greatly admired, and will be missed.
Doug Rubin
June 18, 2013
Maynard was a true gentleman in every sense. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Mark Brandsgard
June 18, 2013
Sorry for the loss of a great human being.Maynard was a caring and giving leader and will surely be missed by everyone who knows him.
Denny Davis
June 18, 2013
Cindy and Steve, May your wonderful memories give you peace as you mourn the loss of your father. Keeping you in my prayers.
Paulette Taylor
June 17, 2013
Maynard and Barbara were Kerm's (deceased 9-2011) and my "best budies." He was a great person and friend to many and will be missed.
Jean Tannatt (formerly of Pleasant Hill, now living in Ellicott City, MD).
June 17, 2013
I am so thankful I had the pleasure of working with Maynard at the House of Representatives. He was a good person and had a heart of gold. God truly blessed me when I got to work with Maynard. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Kris Wentz
June 17, 2013
sorry for your loss eric and laura, i know how much grandparents are important hope things will be ok.. Laura and i go way back because i know her parents
mari kibbie mansker
June 17, 2013
It was an honor and privilege to work with Maynard at the capitol for many years. He was a kind man and will be missed by many. I am so fortunate to have know him. My sypmathy to the family.
Sue Jennings
June 17, 2013
My deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your father. A very fine man.
linda ultang powers
June 17, 2013
Dear Cindy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sherry and Kent Sackfield
Sherry Sackfield
June 17, 2013
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