Maynard L. Armison, from the Town of Batavia, NY and West Melbourne, FL, died peacefully at Melbourne Terrace on Sunday night, March 17, 2019. Born in Hinsdale, NY on March 31, 1934, he was the son of the late Laurence and Bessie (Totten) Armison. Maynard’s family moved to Batavia in 1946 where he attended Elba Central School, graduating with the class of 1952. He served in the US Army in Korea from 1955-1956, returning home to become co-owner of Armison Farms, Inc. on Route 98.
His greatest joy was marrying Margery M. Saunders on April 12, 1958 and together raising their four children. Maynard fulfilled his high school ambition to become a “Flying Farmer” in his favorite hobby: checking his crops, flying from the Genesee County Airport (which was practically in his own backyard). Other interests shared with Margery included square dancing with the Batavia Twirlers, hosting community campouts in their backyard, opening the pool to the American Red Cross swim program, and becoming a favorite gathering spot for post- football practice, snowmobilers, fall hayrides, and campfires in the woods. He was an active member at Batavia’s First Baptist Church, serving on various boards, and was also on the Board of Directors for Upstate Farms Cooperative. Maynard retired from farming in 1981, drove milk truck a few years, and then served at the New York State School For The Blind until retiring in 1997. “On The Road Again” became his favorite motto as he and Margery lived full-time in a motor coach, touring the US and Canada until settling in West Melbourne, FL in 2005.
Maynard is survived by his wife, Margery; children Dawn (Frank) Cibor, (full-time RVers), Susan (Kenneth) Degnan of Albion, NY, Daniel (Jodi) Armison and Scott Armison of West Melbourne, FL; sister Wilma
(late Robert) VanWagnen of Batavia, NY; grandchildren, Andrew (Krystal) Cibor, Amy (Erik) Elam, Nathaniel Degnan, Rebekah (Calvin) Smith, Matthew Degnan, Daniel (Corinne) Armison, Jr., Kristyn (Victor) Thomas, Jason Armison, Julie Armison, Ty Armison, Morgan Armison, Megan (Caleb) Smith and Christian Armison; great-grandchildren, Everett Elam, Silas Smith, Roland Smith, Peyton Armison, Haylee Armison, Maddox Armison, Adisyn Thomas, and Marshall Thomas; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Maynard’s Memorial Service is 11:00 am on Friday, March 22, 2019 at First Church|Melbourne, a United Methodist Community on East New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL. His ashes will be laid to rest in the Memorial Garden there as well. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his memory can be made to: First Church|Melbourne, 110 East New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901
or Promise In Brevard, 4105 Norfolk Parkway, West Melbourne, FL 32904 Checks payable to Promise, Inc.
We bid your sparkling blue eyes, contagious smile, welcoming spirit, gentle soul, generous heart, and Christian integrity farewell. Safe travels while “on the road again,” Maynard, until we meet again.
