Ronald W. Maust

On Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 1:59 p.m., Ron Maust heard the calling of his Lord and Master and crossed over to the other side. He was born on April 30th, 1940 in Berlin, Pennsylvania to his parents, Woodrow B. Maust, deceased, and Lucille A. Maust, deceased. During his lifetime, Ron traveled to many different duty stations where his father was assigned throughout the years. Ron spent his junior year at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany where he attended Kaiserslautern High School. He lettered in both basketball and football and was a team member of the USAFE in both sports. In 1958, he graduated from Wiesbaden American High School in Germany where he was a member of the USAFE Championship basketball team at General H.H. Arnold High School.

Upon returning state side, Ron began his business degree studies at Oklahoma Military Academy. At the Academy Ron was a “first shirt” and was also a member of both the Academy’s Drill Team and Captain of the Demo Lau. The drill team won many state awards for precision and close quarter drills. Ron graduated from OMA in 1961 with the completion of his business degree. He then enrolled in Oklahoma State University in Stillwater where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.

When he returned home to Virginia he was employed by National Bellas Hess, the parent company of GEX stores. Ron’s first assignment was as Director of Public Relations of the Hampton location. He was the recipient of many sales and marketing awards including Public Relations Director of the Year three times and Sales & Marketing Manager of the Year. His next assignment was as the East Coast Manager of GEX Department Stores public relations department including Albany and Latham, New York, Camden and Pennsauken, New Jersey, and the three stores in Hampton Roads. The GEX Columbia, South Carolina location was added the following year. In 1970, Ron became the Operations Manager of the Portsmouth store. A year later he was assigned as the Operations Manager of the Hampton location coming full circle as this is the location where he began his career with GEX in 1965.

In 1974, Ron left GEX to pursue his career in the private security services industry. Ron first established himself in the local market then began expanding his locality by setting up area offices in Hampton, Phoebus, Norfolk and Williamsburg. His next business expansion took place when he chose to broaden his market by bidding on government contracts within the U.S. In a few short years Ron’s business became successful enough to have offices/operations in Honolulu, Hawaii, Port Hadlock, Washington, San Diego, California, the Army Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona, White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the Aviation Supply Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, the Social Security Offices in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and several contracts in Washington, DC. Over 25 years Ron grew his company to one of the largest of its kind in the industry. As his illness began slowing him down Ron sold the business and retired in 2000.

During his lifetime, Ron was actively involved in both the Democratic and Republican parties. From Precinct Coordinator to State President of the Young Democrats and President of the Democratic Committee in Hampton, he was always very active in getting his candidate elected. Ron did break with the Democratic Party and joined the Reagan Revolution in the 80’s.

Ron was awarded the Paul Harris Fellows by the Hampton Rotary Club in 2010.

Ron is survived by his wife of 46 years, Brenda Staples Maust. Ron and Brenda spoke their vows, becoming husband and wife, on February 6, 1965. They were blessed with four children, Nicole Maust Stuart (& husband Christopher), Noel Maust Cavanaugh (& husband Patrick), Tiffany Maust Caldwell, and Brock Ronson Maust (& Fiancée Laura). He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Jasmin Lucille Caldwell, Chase Andrew Caldwell, Anthony Francis Coan, Shelby Grace Stuart, Chance Jersey Stuart, Brody Cole Stuart, Cooper Christopher Stuart, and Lucy Ava Cavanaugh. Ron is survived by his best friend and brother, W. Alan “Skip” Maust, his three Aunts and four Uncles, as well as lots of cousins and close personal friends.

Ron and his family wish to thank all the caregivers who offered such kindnesses over the years, especially Shaun, Marie and Carol whose loving care helped him during this phase of his life. Special gratitude goes to Dr. James Spiller and his nurse, Judy Foster. Ron’s wish was to have any thoughts of kindness be expressed as a donation to the local Women’s Shelter on Domestic Violence (Transitions), the SPCA or your area USO facility on his behalf.

A service celebrating Ron’s life will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 11:00 AM, at Hampton Baptist Church, 40 King's Way, Hampton.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. in Hampton, 23666.