Major Howard "Bill" Dillison Maines, Jr., USMC (Ret.)

On December 15, 2024, at 2330, Major Howard “Bill” Dillison Maines, Jr. USMC, (Ret.), engaged his afterburners for his final trip to Heaven. Bill was born on 15 December 1934, in Annapolis, MD, to the late Howard and Winifred Youd Maines.

Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather. He attended school at Sacred Heart, Saint Michaels, and Catholic High School, in Pensacola, FL. After graduating high school, he attended Marion Military Institute, Auburn University, receiving a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and University of Northern Colorado, earning a MS of Psychology.

After attending Auburn, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, retiring after 21 years of service. He received his wings of Gold on 7 July 1958, his specialty was in jets. Bill flew over 300 combat missions and received the DFC, “Distinguished Flying Cross” (A military decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement during aerial flight.) in addition he earned 14 air medals during his service to our country. After retiring from USMC, Bill became a real estate broker for 37 years. He continued to serve our country after his retirement as a flight instructor in the flight simulators at NAS Whiting Field from 1981 to 2011.

Bill married Mary Joanne, they had three beautiful children, Howard D. Maines, III., Susan M. Maines Overmyer, and Douglas Maines. They have seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Mary Joanne Maines preceded Bill in death in 1997.

On December 16, 2009, Bill was most fortunate to marry Darlene Phyllis Schnoebelen in Milton, FL. Bill's life with Darlene improved immediately, and many happy years followed. He was blessed to gain three step-children, Jerry, Kathy, and Angie, and also three step grandchildren and three step-great-great grandchildren. Bill and Darlene were members of SHCC, PMOAA, Nativity of Our Lord Church, and Knight of Columbus.

Bill enjoyed boating, sailing, hunting, and flying, he even flew seaplanes. He loved dancing with his bride, playing cards, and games during family get togethers.

In addition to his parents and his first wife Mary Joanne, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Marilyn and Pat.

Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife, Darlene Maines; his three children, Howard D. Maines, III., Susan M. Maines Overmyer, and Douglas Maines; seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; his sister, Gail; three step-children, Jerry, Kathy, and Angie; three step grandchildren and three step-great-great grandchildren.

All those who knew him will forever miss and love him.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday December 23, 2024, at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 9945 Hillview Dr., Pensacola, FL, with Fr. Raymond Herard, serving as Celebrant. The family will receive friends following Mass on December 23, 2024, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32504, from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM, with a Rosary being prayed at 2:30 PM.

Committal Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, with Military honors being accorded by the USMC. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at 10:00 AM at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel to line up for procession to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to; the Pensacola Chapter of the Military Officers Association (PMOAA) Scholarship Fund, [email protected]
or Pensacola Chapter MOAA, PO Box 17728, Pensacola FL 32501-7728; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Email [email protected], or call (800) 395-1087.