Lee Maynard

Lee Maynard (July 26, 1936 – June 6, 2017) was an American novelist, short story writer and journalist born in the small town of Crum, West Virginia.

Education Maynard attended Ceredo-Kenova High School where his father was a teacher and coach, graduating in 1954. Maynard attended West Virginia University where he originally enrolled in pharmacy but later changed his major to journalism. He completed his undergraduate degree in 1962.

Career In 1958, Maynard withdrew from college before earning his degree. From 1958 to 1961, Maynard served in the United States Army, working as a military policeman and criminal investigator. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he returned to West Virginia University to complete his studies in journalism.

Maynard was president and CEO of The Storehouse, a nonprofit food pantry providing food for the needy in the greater Albuquerque, New Mexico, area.

Maynard has taught writing at many workshops, including the Appalachian Writers Workshop, Southwest Writers Workshop, and West Virginia Writers Conference. He has served as Writing Master at Allegheny Echoes.

Personal life and death In 1959, Maynard married his wife of more than 50 years, Helen. They met while Maynard served in the Army as a military policeman; Helen's father was a local police commissioner with whom Maynard worked. Their daughter Darci was born in 1962, and their son Toran in 1965.