Michael E. Maynard

Michael Edward Maynard, of Stonefort, Illinois, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, at Marion VA Medical Center.

Mike was born on February 22, 1950, in Harrisburg, Illinois, to Joe Maynard and Wilma Pinkstaff. He was a 1968 graduate of Harrisburg High School. After graduation, Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Vietnam conflict while stationed at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. After he was honorably discharged, he returned to Saline County, Illinois.

Mike’s passion in life was the wilderness. Along with a few friends, Mike purchased a large area of land in the Shawnee National Forest, in the Lusk Creek wilderness area. He built his home there and spent many years living amongst the nature he felt so connected to. He received a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation, with a minor in psychology, from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. In addition to working in the forestry service he created trail maps, was a wilderness guide, certified wilderness first responder, and conducted wildlife and environmental education activities.

Mike’s character will leave a lasting impression on all that were fortunate enough to know him. His lifelong friends and family will miss his one- of-a-kind personality, kindness, sharp humor, and lively conversations. Mike was an avid reader, lover of dogs, loyal friend, the best uncle, most entertaining storyteller, and a wealth of knowledge.

Mike is survived by nieces Shannon Kohl (Shaun) of Carbondale and LeAnna Santy D’Orio (Tony) of Chicago, great nieces Ciel and Ivory Kohl-Hess of Carbondale, brother Terry Maynard (Lynda) of Harrisburg, nephew Mike Maynard (Luci) of Harrisburg, Nathan Kohl of Carbondale, and Mark Maynard of Harrisburg, sister-in-law Marlena Santy of Fishers, Indiana, and Cousin Phyllis Kent of Granite City.

Mike is also survived by close friends Don Pesavento, David Hutchcraft, Sam Stearns, and Ben Cartwright, among others.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Wilma Maynard, sister Deborah Maynard, brothers Larry Maynard, Frank Santy, and Randall Santy.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Final arrangements lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.