Jon Kermit Maas, age 71, a resident of Fort Myers, FL, died on June 29, 2024. After a long struggle with lung disease, he passed into glory, knowing Jesus was receiving him with open arms.
Born in Shawano, WI, Jon spent his early years moving, mostly in the Midwest, as his father worked in different corporate settings. Summers were often spent on the family farm working with his Uncle Kermit and his brothers. After high school, Jon enlisted in the U.S. Army, starting at Fort Hood, TX, and eventually serving as the AG’s personal clerk in his unit in Germany (1971–1974). On his return to the U.S., Jon became a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1980 and a graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary in 1984. Married in 1981 to Marti, upon his ordination into the Presbyterian Church of America, Jon received the call to become a mission pastor in Columbia, MO, from 1984 to 1985.
His army military career continued as he served as a chaplain (captain) at Fort Campbell, KY, attached to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). During that tour of duty, he was part of the Multinational Force & Observers, stationed in the Sinai Peninsula, often flying by helicopter to conduct worship services for soldiers. In 1988, he was deployed to South Korea, serving with distinction in the DMZ (demilitarized zone). In 1989, Jon and his family were stationed at Fort Monmouth, NJ, for six months where Jon was first in his class at his Advanced Chaplains’ course. Later that same year, he went to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX, where he completed a residency in CPE (Clinical and Pastoral Education). In the middle of his course, he was sent to Operation Desert Storm for two months, but then returned to complete his course and move to Fort Benning, GA, in June 1990. Now attached to the 327th Infantry Regiment, Jon served as a hospital chaplain at Martin Army Community Hospital.
Leaving the U.S. Army in 1995, Jon continued his CPE training in Memphis and then moved his family to Lexington, OH, where he served as a prison chaplain for 20 years at Mansfield Correctional Institute (ManCI) while staying in the Army Reserve. From 2004 to 2005, promoted now to full colonel, Jon was deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he served honorably and received a Meritorious Service Medal. In 2013, Jon retired from the army after serving 33 years (both active duty and reserve duty). Finally, in the spring of 2017, he retired from ManCI and moved to Florida with Marti.
At Westminster Presbyterian Church, Jon served as a small group leader, a member of the Fanning the Flame committee, and a behind-the-scenes servant. In his community he was the HOA treasurer. He also worked part-time as a hospital chaplain in the Lee Health system until a few months ago. His greatest desire was to please the Lord and leave a spiritual legacy to his family, especially his wife Marti and his three sons.
Jon is predeceased by his parents, Duane and Sonja Maas. His living family members include his wife Marti; son Bill (Liz) and granddaughter Mika; son Jay (Kari) and grandchildren Jack and Madi; son Ben (Rachel) and grandchildren Martha, Timmy, Adelaide, and Penny. Jon also has two brothers—Tom (Sue) and Duane (Kay)—along with many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service and Celebration of Life for Jon was conducted at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 6, 2024 inside the Sanctuary at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 9065 Ligon Court, Fort Myers, Florida 33908.
In lieu of flowers, Jon asked that any donations be made in his name to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Summit Christian School, or Lee Health Foundation (Spiritual Services Department). He loved those organizations and wanted to see them thrive in the Lord’s work.
