Daniel Kent Maynard

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Daniel Kent Maynard on February 10, 2025, at the age of 63. Born on January 31, 1962, in Pikeville, Kentucky, Daniel’s journey took him through many places, from the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky to the west coast in Los Angeles. While living in Los Angeles, Daniel found recovery from addiction. Throughout his life, he embodied the spirit of resilience and perseverance by overcoming his own challenges while never waning from his lifelong commitment to helping others.

Daniel was known by many names, “Uncle Danny,” “Big D,” and sometimes simply “Dan”, just to name a few. All who knew him recognized his ability to light up a room with his humor and wit. He had a heart as big as his personality and a talent for making people laugh, often with a good-natured poke or a nickname that was sometimes endearing, but always comical. Daniel’s love for his family was immeasurable, and his connection with friends and those in recovery was profound. As an active member of Narcotics Anonymous with 36 years clean, and Overeaters Anonymous with 16 years of abstinence, he sponsored and mentored many, guiding them with wisdom and compassion through their own journeys of recovery. Daniel was known for being disciplined, he adhered to his daily recovery action plan and called his sponsor every evening, even after the cancer progressed. Daniel was instrumental in establishing Narcotics Anonymous in eastern Kentucky, helping to spur an insurgence of recovery to the mountains.  

Daniel’s love of history, particularly the Civil War, was matched only by his fascination with airplanes and cars, subjects he could talk about for hours. Daniel enjoyed taekwondo and working out.He had a deep affection for animals of all kinds.  He loved to travel and see new things. But beyond his interests, it was his unwavering commitment to hard work and personal growth that truly defined him. Daniel was multi-talented, from woodworking to anything mechanical. Daniel graduated from Johns Creek High School and later became a diesel mechanic at Mayo Technical School. He had unique employment history. He worked for McDonnell Douglas painting aircraft parts, he was trucker, a fast-food worker and his last job was at the local Kroger. Daniel’s work ethic was unmatched. Despite initial challenges with learning early in life, Daniel earned a college degree at the age of 56, proving that it’s never too late to pursue a dream.

Daniel is survived by his sisters, Henrietta Babb and Joyce Fields; his nephews and nieces, John (Vanessa) Babb, Henry (Sylvia) Stikeleather, Tabitha (Jonathan) Bingham, and Rebecca (James) Sexton; and four grandnieces, Isabella, Emma, Saphira, and Kimberly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Erma (Gilbert) Maynard, his brother William Maynard, and his sister Janet Stikeleather and his favorite brother-in-law, Larry Babb.

A celebration of Daniel’s life will be held on March 15, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, 329 Walnut Street, Jeffersonville, IN. We invite all who knew him to come, share stories, and remember the incredible impact Daniel had on our lives. A potluck dinner will follow in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Holding Space Recovery Project, 825 N. Highway 31, Austin, IN 47102, in honor of Daniel’s lifelong dedication to recovery.

Daniel’s legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering support will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be missed dearly.

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