Jerry Maynard

Luther Jerry Maynard, 79, of Jonesboro, died Monday evening, May 16, 2011, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro.

Born in Lepanto, Jerry was a graduate of Lepanto High School and attended Arkansas State University on a football scholarship before a knee injury ended his career. He moved to Jonesboro in 1957 and lived here the remainder of this life. He was retired from the Arkansas State Police where he worked as a highway patrol trooper from 1957-1987.

Jerry was a U.S. Navy veteran and a Methodist. He was a member of the Arkansas State Police Association and the State Police Retirees Association. Jerry was a master mason in the Dyess Lodge #734 and was an avid ASU sports fan. He enjoyed watching the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals, working in his yard, cabinet making and wood working.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Nettie Maynard, his parents, Luther and Bessie Roberts Maynard, and by a sister, Martha Bess Stein.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law: Terri and Alan Burns of Concord, California;

1 son, Billy Ray Gates of Florida;

2 step daughters: Sharon Wilson and husband Craig of Tallahassee, Florida, and Patty Carpenter of Jonesboro;

1 sister, June Carmelita Halstead of St. Ann, Missouri;

3 grandchildren: triplets Alan Burns, III, Savannah Burns and Alexandra Burns; and

3 step grandchildren: Clay Wilson, Blake Carpenter and Lauren Carpenter.

Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 11:00 in Emerson Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery with State Police Honors.

Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Troopers will serve as active pallbearers.

Visitation will be held Thursday morning from 10-11 in Emerson Chapel.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the American Heart Association, 909 W. 2nd Street, Little Rock, AR 72201.