Captain Dennis Ross Maldonado, 81, of Union City passed away Tuesday morning, November 3, 2020 at his home.

Graveside services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Friday at East View Cemetery. Brother Ron Gray will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Underwood, Jake Underwood, Ross Maldonado, Elijah Presley, Koty Chapman and Steve Chapman.

There will be no visitation and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery for the service.

Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Dennis was born February 17, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, son of the late Rosendo and Mattie Lorraine (Jenkins) Maldonado. He married Doris (Neely) Maldonado May 31, 1963. She survives. Dennis was a 1957 graduate of the former Trimble High School. He retired from the United States Air Force as a B 52 pilot after 20 years of service. Dennis served two tours in Vietnam. Medals and Awards Captain Maldonado received are:

Distinguished Flying Cross

Meritorious Service Medal

Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with bronze V and 4 leaf clusters

Combat Readiness Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster

Army Good Conduct Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Vietnam Service Medal with 1 silver star and 2 bronze stars

Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with 4 oak leaf clusters

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

Republic of Vietnam Combat Medal

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF

THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

TO

CAPTAIN DENNIS R. MALDONADO

Captain Dennis R. Maldonado distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an EB-66 Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 25 December 1970. On that date, flying an unarmed electronic countermeasures aircraft, he provided vital support for an extremely important heavy-bomber strike mission. Although under attack from large caliber anti-aircraft artillery, he kept his aircraft in its assigned orbit to lend maximum support to the bomber aircraft until they had safely egressed the target area. His alertness and outstanding determination were vital factors in the successful outcome of this highly difficult tactical mission. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Maldonado reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

After his military career, he was then employed as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service where he retired after 20 years of service. After his retirement, he spent the next 20 years researching his family history and also teaching his grandson how to carry on the family legacy.

He is also survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Melodie and Todd Van Atta of Whitefish, Montana and Melinda and Paige Underwood of Union City; four grandchildren, Koty Chapman (Sarah) and Jeremy Underwood both of Murfreesboro, Eli Presley of Whitefish and Jake Underwood of Union City; one great granddaughter, Lizzie Presley of Whitefish, Montana; one sister, Cheryl Maldonado of Memphis; and one brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Shirley Maldonado of Newbern.

He was also preceded in death by one great granddaughter, Lily Chapman.

Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home

731-885-1033