Chad Maynard tried to join the Marines at age 15 but was refused by recruiters who consoled him by giving him stickers, posters and keychains.
He eventually fulfilled his dream, enlisting before his high school classmates had graduated.
“He’s definitely the man and everyone’s hero,” Jacob Maynard said at a funeral service for his brother on Friday at Olinger Highland Mortuary in Thornton.
Lance Cpl. Chad Maynard, a 2004 Montrose High School graduate, died June 15 near Ramadi, Iraq, after the Humvee he was driving was bombed in a roadside attack.
Friday’s gathering of family, friends and more than 60 Marines marked the second and final tribute to the 19-year-old Marine. A memorial service was held Monday in Montrose.
“I’m really angry he’s not here but really happy he lived his dream,” a brother said.
Maynard’s family members, who declined to be interviewed Friday, recalled various times of his life.
His grandfather reminisced about how Maynard wanted to become a cowboy before becoming a Marine. A sister tearfully shared the story of playing house with her brother, and a cousin remembered him always dressed in military attire and singing patriotic songs.
“He was my son, my friend, my brother,” said his father, Gene Bryant. “Chad, you are a great American. I love you. I’m going to miss you. Semper fi.”
After the memorial service, the casket was placed into a black 1897 wooden funeral carriage and pulled by a Percheron horse. The carriage was followed by an escort of Marines, family and friends.
“It lets these guys know we appreciate what they’re doing over there,” said Lorraine Melgosa of Manzanola, who drove the carriage.
Maynard’s wife, Rebecca, who is pregnant with their first child, a girl, was escorted to her husband’s grave site by Marines. Maj. Stephen Beck presented her with a Purple Heart medal.
Maynard was buried with full military honors, which included the playing of taps and the presentation of a flag to his family.
“He exemplifies a Marine in every way,” said Beck,who spoke on behalf of the Maynard family. “He was always faithful.”
Staff writer Annette Espinoza can be reached at 303-820-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com.
