The community of Townsend, Delaware, is mourning the loss of a beloved member, Eddie R. Maycen, who passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Christiana Hospital in Newark. At the age of 73, Eddie leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, and love that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Eddie is survived by his best friend and wife, Mary Ann Maycen, and their daughter, Christina Thompson, along with her husband Jimmy and their two grandchildren, Avery Juliana and Campbell James Thompson, all residing in Middletown, Delaware. Additionally, Eddie is survived by his brother, Michael Maycen, and his wife Laura, of Kankakee, Illinois.
Born to James O. Justice and foster father William Maycen and mother Mary Etta Maycen in Kankakee, Illinois, Eddie’s life was marked by a profound commitment to serving his country and his community. He dedicated 20 years of his life to the Regular Army, retiring in 1989 with the rank of First Sergeant.
Throughout his military career, Eddie served with distinction, including deployments with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam and assignments at the Army Arctic Test Center in Alaska, Fort Rucker in Alabama, and the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Eddie’s service was recognized with numerous awards and commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, 20 Awards of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, and many more.
His commitment to duty and selfless sacrifice exemplified the highest ideals of military service. Following his military career, Eddie embarked on a successful career with American Airlines, where he worked for 23 years as a Line Maintenance Technician and Manager of Aircraft Maintenance in Austin and San Antonio, Texas. His dedication to excellence and professionalism earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Eddie was deeply involved in his community, serving as a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and founding VFW Post 12058 in Kyle, Texas. He also held leadership positions within the VFW, including All American Post Commander and District Commander, as well as serving as a Texas State VFW Inspector. Additionally, Eddie was a Knight of the 4th Degree in the Brother Vincent Council of the Knights of Columbus.
A viewing for Eddie will be held on Monday, February 19, 2024, from 6 to 8 PM at the Faries Funeral Chapel in Smyrna, Delaware. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Polycarp Roman Catholic Church in Smyrna at 11 AM on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, followed by burial with military honors at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Delaware, on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Eddie R. Maycen will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community, but his legacy of service, dedication, and love will endure. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his life and the profound impact he had on all who knew him. Rest in peace, Eddie, knowing that your memory will live on in the hearts of all whose lives you touched.
