CSM (Ret.) Edwin Keolaokalani Maunakea Jr.

Edwin K. Maunakea Jr. died at his home in Killeen on Nov. 12, 2015. A long-time resident of the local area, Mr. Maunakea was extremely active in civic and cultural affairs, to the extent that the mayor of the city declared an Edwin Maunakea Day in his honor in 2001.

He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on June 23, 1928. His long and distinguished career in the U. S. Army began in Hawaii shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and continued until his retirement at Fort Hood as a Command Sargent Major in 1978. He was a combat veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, and was twice a prisoner of war. His involvement in military activities continued until the day of his death. He served on many boards promoting military issues and served as director of the Korean War Veterans Association for several years.

He and his wife also opened a family-operated floral business in the 440 Plaza in Killeen which served the community for 22 years.

He was known throughout the world for spreading the Spirit of Aloha, both in Europe and the U.S. He was also well known throughout the area and the state for his singing and musical presentations of authentic Hawaiian music, and his troupe of hula dancers performed frequently. As the president of Killeen’s Multi-Ethnic Cultural & Arts Association of Central Texas, he constantly promoted the talents and cultures of the diverse population in the Fort Hood area.

He is survived by Mary, his wife of 66 years. Also left to cherish his memory are two sons, Darwin Maunakea of Arlington, TX., and Wallace K. Maunakea of Killeen, and three daughters, Diane L. Grasham of Killeen, Maggie Honea of Copperas Cove, and Darnette U. Ebert of Killeen. He was preceded in death by his son Edwin K. Maunakea, III, and his granddaughter Mary Margaret Grasham.

His family includes 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, most of whom live in the Killeen area, and “hanea” children.

The wake is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 23, 2015 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 Fort Hood St., in Killeen from 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held there on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 from 12:30 pm to 2 pm. Burial is to follow in Killeen Veterans Memorial Cemetery. A family celebration will be held following the cemetery service at Whosoever Will Minister facility, 3310 Florence Rd., in Killeen. All are invited to attend.