Funeral service for Retired 1SG Richard W. Maze, 74 of Killeen, TX will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Greater Vision Community Church in Killeen, TX. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow the service at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 1, 2025 (6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.) at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home in Killeen, TX.

With grateful hearts and deep reverence, we celebrate the life and legacy of First Sergeant (Ret.) Richard Wayne Maze, a devoted husband, a proud soldier, an impactful educator, and a man whose quiet strength and steadfast faith shaped every chapter of his journey.

Born on December 23, 1950, in Killeen, Texas, Richard was the beloved son of the late Richard T. and Osia O. Maze. He was raised in a home centered in Christ, where faith, family, and integrity were the guiding principles. At age 16, he accepted Christ and was baptized at Simmonsville Missionary Baptist Church, beginning a lifelong walk grounded in faith, discipline, and purpose. Mr. Maze passed away November 18, 2025, in Belton, TX.

Richard's formative years unfolded in the classrooms of Marlboro Elementary School, Nolan Junior High School, and Killeen High School, where he grew academically, spiritually, and athletically. A proud Killeen Kangaroo, he played football in the 7th, 8th, and 10th–12th grades. He graduated in May 1969, prepared to face the world with strength and determination.

He attended Central Texas College before being drafted into the United States Army in January 1971. After serving courageously in Vietnam, Richard chose to continue his military career, embracing the Infantry with honor and distinction. For more than 22 years, he served his country faithfully, retiring on July 31, 1993, as a respected First Sergeant.

His military record stands as a powerful testimony of service and valor:
• Meritorious Service Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Army Achievement Medal
• NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3)
• Army Service Ribbon
• Overseas Service Ribbon
• Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award)
• National Defense Service Medal (with Bronze Star)
• Vietnam Service Medal (with 3 Campaign Stars)
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
• Combat Infantryman Badge
• Expert Infantryman Badge
• Drill Sergeant Identification Badge

Education remained a pillar of Richard's life. After retirement, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1994 and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice in 1997 from the University of Central Texas—continuing to embody the belief that knowledge, like service, is a lifelong calling.

His commitment to serving others extended into civilian life. In July 1994, he joined the 20th–82nd Judicial District Juvenile Probation Department, becoming the first On-Campus Juvenile Probation Officer in a Texas school district at Rockdale ISD.

He continued shaping young minds through education as:
• Teacher at Manor Middle School (1999–2000)
• Special Needs Teacher at Shoemaker High School (2000–2015)

He fully retired in 2016, leaving behind a community profoundly impacted by his compassion, discipline, and gentle strength.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard T. and Osia O. Maze; his brothers, Leo Taylor and Sammy Maze; his sister, Pat Brown; and his beloved grandson, Dedrick.

Left to cherish his love and legacy is his devoted wife of more than 55 years, Paulinea (Morrison) Maze, and his children: Phillip Maze (Tonya), Chandra Johnson (Earnest), Letra Horn (Marcus), Destiny Salter, D'Wayne Taylor and Dineesha Gray (Thomas). He also leaves behind his loving siblings: Brenda Davis, Ruth Scottand Rev. Dr. Charles Maze (Charlotte).

Richard's love continues through his grandchildren, each one a reflection of his heart:
Richon Sankey, Jercorion Sankey, Ericesse Maze (Alexus), Shalese Grant, Taniya Salter, Z'Nai Horn, J'Dyn Horn, J'Sai Horn, Deondria Salter, Ariyonn Garrett, Christian Wynn, Alexius Crawford (Jeffrey Sr.), Jasper Mims, Ja'colby Damon Maze, Jamarya Harrison (Demontay), Deon Gaines, Mariah Mason, Aaliyah Coleman, Aaron Royster, and Malachi Coleman.

He is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren, whose smiles and futures carry forward his legacy of strength, faith, and love; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom were touched by his kindness, wisdom, and steady presence.

Richard Wayne Maze lived with strength, walked with integrity, served with honor, and loved with humility. His legacy is one of service—to God, to country, to family, and to every life he touched with quiet wisdom and unwavering grace.

He served well. He loved deeply. He lived purposefully. And now, he rests peacefully.

"Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23