Colonel William Ward Maitland, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2013. William was born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania and in 1942; he joined the U.S. Army Air Corp as an aviation cadet. After graduating flight training, he was assigned to the Dutch West Indies as a P-39 pilot. During the 30 and one half years in the U.S. Air Force, he saw service overseas in Korea, England, Germany and Turkey. In 1963, he commanded two air defense force gunnery teams which were twice awarded the Hughes Trophy (the equivalent of today's Navy Top Gun) for being the best air defense squadron worldwide. Colonel Maitland served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. His last assignment was the Deputy Commander of Operations for the Alaskan Air Command. Throughout his entire military career, he flew various aircraft including P-39's, P-47's, F-86, F102 and F-4's.
In 1960, he completed his college degree requirements at the University of Maryland with a B.S. degree. Colonel Maitland retired from the U.S. Air Force in November 1972 at Tyndall A.F.B. In 1973, he joined A.G. Edwards as a stock and bond broker. After 24 years with company, he retired as Assistant Manager in April 1997 at the age of 76.
In civilian life, he was active in community affairs serving as a Director of Government Relations for the Panama City Chamber of Commerce. He was a Past President of the Friends of the Library; District Governors Representative "1993-1994"; Bridge Officer of the St. Andrews Power Squadron; Chairman of the Panama City Police Pension Board "1997-2007"; and promotion of public boating safety through education courses on safe boat handling.
Colonel Maitland was a member of the Northside Rotary Club for 40 plus years having 38 years of Perfect Attendance. He was also Past Charter President in "1990-1991". In November of this year, Colonel Maitland received from the President of Rotary International the highest award "The Avenues of Service Citation for an Individual Rotarian."
In 1946, he married the love of his life, Wanda Geraldine Glenn, a Chicago native and Northwest University graduate. He is survived by his two daughters, Lacey Casagrande and Brandy Maitland, whom he cherished; two grandchildren, Robert W. Casagrande, Dawn Terry; two great grandchildren, Angelique Casagrande and Paige Casagrande. Special mention to the "Saturday Night Social Club", Hank & Betty Middleton, Bobby & Jean Jackson; Neal & Wilma Dresser and David & Holly Levitt, with whom many special memories were made. Also special mention to our father's best friend, Retired Major John A. Williams Jr. From the family to all that knew him, thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. He enjoyed all of your friendships.
Colonel Maitland was a member of the St. Dominic's Catholic Church. During his illness, Father Pete was a tremendous comfort to our father and our family. "Thank you"
A funeral mass will be said in memory of Colonel William Maitland on Saturday, November 30 at 11 a.m. in the St. Dominic's Catholic Church. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, November 29. Interment will be in the Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida.