Major Robert F. "Bob" Maiden

Major Robert F. "Bob" Maiden, USMC, retired of Carson City passed away peacefully, Jan. 23, 2009; three days shy of his 84th birthday. Bob was born Jan. 26, 1925, in Denver Colo. to Robert R and Floyd Maiden.

Upon graduating in 1943 from North High School in Denver he enlisted in the

U. S. Marine Corps.

In February 1945, his infantry company climbed the sandy shores of Iwo Jima where, 36 days later, he was one of 24 of 224, who walked off the island as victors.

After the war he returned to Colorado State College of Education and continued his coaching education.

Bob was selected All-conference football and baseball player, and played semi-pro baseball for the Coors Brewers. After graduating in 1949 from college he returned to the Corps as a Commissioned Officer. He earned numerous decorations over his career involving three decades and as many wars.

In 1950 he served in the Korean War and received the Purple Heart. In the 1960's Bob served in Vietnam and led an infantry battalion. On November 1, 1966, he retired from the U. S. Marine Corps. After retiring he went to work for the Boys Club of America in Scottsdale Ariz. Bob later moved to Carson City where he retired from the State of Nevada as a health facilities inspector. Bob also served as the President of the 5th Marine Division, and hosted the thirty-first reunion in June of 1980 in Carson City. Bob's interests were showing Arabian horses with his wife and daughter, traveling to his Marine Corps Reunions, and having coffee with his buddies. In 2000 he authored "Return to Iwo-Jima + 50", a history of his personal experiences.

Survivors are wife SueDea Maiden of Carson City, Nevada; son and daughter-in-law Mike and Jan Maiden of Crockett, Texas; son, Joey Maiden of Crockett, Texas; daughter and son-in-law Muriel and Troy Troyner of St. George, Utah; granddaughter Becky Maiden of Houston, Texas; and grandsons Bobby Maiden of Crockett, Texas and Kyler Hunt of Annabella, Utah.

Memorial services with Military Honors will be 11 a.m., today at the Walton Funeral Home in Carson City with inurnment in the Columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery.

Those who wish to honor his life may do so by contributing to the Boys and Girls Club of America.