Maynard G. Muntzing

MUNTZING Maynard G. Muntzing, 79, of Chillicothe, died, with his children by his side, at 8:05 a.m. Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born March 12, 1933, in Scherr, WV, to the late William and Virginia Secrest Muntzing. On December 21, 1955, he married the former Joyce L. Latham who died October 22, 2007. Surviving are his children, Deborah Jo (Geoffrey) Heller, of Hilliard, Rachel Ann (Dr. Lawrence) Lynn, of Worthington, William Brook (Rev. Karen) Muntzing, of Columbus, Florence Eleanor "Fluff" (Brent Alan) Knauff, of Lucasville and Maynard Glenn (Tammy) Muntzing, of Kettering; grandchildren, Lauren (Adam) Fromme, Leah and David Lynn, Alexandra and Robert Heller, Sarah Muntzing, Brent Knauff, Nicholas and Erin Muntzing and Brittany and Tyler Erwin; a great grandson, James Fromme; and a sister, Yvonne Muntzing, of Martinsburg, VA; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. The communities of Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio and West Virginia have lost one of their finest. A loyal husband to his wife Joyce for more than 52 years, Maynard served as a role model, not only for his children, but for just about everyone he came in contact with. Born and raised on a small farm in rural West Virginia, he learned the value of a hard days work and the gift of giving back to those around him. Honing his skills in interpersonal relationships began with 4-H and community organizations, then onto attending West Virginia University for his baccalaureate degree and The Ohio State University for his Master's degree. After serving in the U.S Army came his arrival in Chillicothe, Ohio in 1958 as the Ross County 4-H/ Agricultural Extension Agent. Starting with a handful of 4-H clubs, Maynard served to make Ross County one of the largest 4-H organizations in the state. Anyone remotely affiliated with 4-H or agriculture came to know Maynard from his radio programs, newspaper columns, Farm Bureau meetings, on-site visits or stopping by the office to have a question answered. He was an integral figure in establishing the best 4-H camp in the state as well as a key architect for Ross County Fair's success year after year for over 30 years. Not a day goes by that you don't bump into someone that was appreciative for having the opportunity to know him. Hundreds of cards and letters regaling stories of "O Great Chief" and other experiences from the past have filled the mailbox over the last year as he battled cancer. They now serve as a memorial that reflect the impact on the lives of the people that he touched - many would bring tears to his eyes as he read each one. Maynard and his family were also intimately affiliated with Walnut Street United Methodist Church, assisting wherever the need arose. Maynard loved his family and many friends and felt honored to serve the people of Ross County. A memorial service will be held 7:30 p.m. Saturday, January 12, 2013 in the Walnut Street United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, with Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Friends may call at the church from 4 to 7:30 p.m. prior to the memorial service on Saturday. Arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Ohio State University for the Ross County 4-H Endowment Fund 475 Western Avenue Suite F Chillicothe, Ohio 45601. You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com