Obituary of Richard Matthew Maynard

Richard Matthew Maynard, 87, affectionately known as “K.C.,” passed away peacefully on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, 2020, surrounded by loving family members. Richard was born on March 15, 1933, in Providence, RI. He was the firstborn son of the late Gilmore W. Cox-Maynard and Dorothy Baker Maynard of Providence, RI. Richard is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Allene Bonay Maynard. Richard joined the Air Force upon graduating from Central High School in 1951, where he served as an airman until 1955 and ultimately retired honorably after more than 35 years of service as a cook in the Army National Guard. He also retired from the State of Rhode Island Education system where he worked as a Recruiter for many years. Richard successfully launched many businesses, most memorable were: Ebony Oil, distinguished as the first black-owned oil company in Rhode Island; a Mobil Gas station on Eddy Street in Providence; a restaurant with his father Gil Maynard; and the African American Beneficial Association (AAMBA) which he used as a platform to create multiple private clubs and social gathering establishments. Richard was always industrious and knew how to create wealth to support his family. Richard was a life member and served as a Past Master of King Solomon Lodge #5 of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. He was also a lifetime member of the Otha Boone, IBPO Elks Lodge #931 of Providence RI, and an active member of the American Legion Post 69 in Providence. He was also a member of the Marathon 5-0 Club, and the IBA. Richard was active in the community. He served as the past President of the 11th Ward Committee in the City of Providence and as a committee member. Richard leaves behind his three children, Richard Maynard, Jr. (Cerena) of Cranston, Kim Maynard of Providence, and Tanya Maynard Lewis of Laurel, Maryland. Richard leaves five grandchildren Tyler Lewis, Kyle Spencer, Dominique DeSilva Barnes (Tyrone), Diamond Maynard, and Trinity Rucker, and two great-grandchildren, Landon and Laila Barnes, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Richard is survived by three brothers, Alan Maynard (Angie) of Rumford RI, Dennis Maynard (Charlene) of Rehoboth, MA, and Stephen Maynard (Vondella) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and one sister, Irene Moore of Orange, New Jersey. He was preceded in death by his siblings Gilmore Maynard (Geisla), Robert Maynard (Elizabeth), Vioris Crouch (Ertis), and Gwendolyn Vaughan (Rev. Sammy Vaughan). Visitation hours are Thursday, June 25, 2020, from 4-6 pm, to be followed by a funeral Service from 6-8 pm at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, 475 Cranston Street, Providence, RI, 02907. There will be a private interment on Friday, June 26, 2020, with Full Military Honors. Services by Mt. Pleasant Funeral Service.