Donald P. Maxwell

Donald Paul Maxwell, 84, left us on Friday July 13, 2012. He spent his final days surrounded by loving family and friends and enjoying life. He passed peacefully with his family at his side in his Rapid City home. A memorial celebration of his life will take place at 10:00AM, Thursday, July 19, 2012 at Edstrom & Rooks Funeral Service, Serenity Springs Chapel of Tranquility, 3808 Sheridan Lake Road with Pastor Julie Norwood officiating. Military Funeral Honors will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery commencing at 12:30 PM, a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established by the family. Don was born in Martinsburg MO, January 6, 1928 to Elmer and Clora (Anderson) Maxwell. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1946. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1946 and retired as a Tech Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force in 1966. Don and his love of 47 years, Gloria Rose (Williamson), were married on May 25, 1949 in Rapid City. Don and Gloria traveled the world serving the U.S. and raising thier family. They were stationed in Rapid City, SD; Watertown, SD; Del Rio, TX; Okinawa, Japan; Sumter, SC; and Fort Dodge, IA. Don and Gloria loved their military adventures. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Don worked for Montana Dakota Utility and then retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 21 years of service. Following Gloria’s death in 1996, Don lived in the loving and supportive household of his daughter Samantha Wentworth with her husband David, two of his grandsons – Michael and Tyler, and his three loving German Shepherds – Kira, Nitro, and Magnum. Don is preceded in death by his wife Gloria, his parents, his brother Ruby Maxwell of Pattonsburg, MO, and his sister Helen Milner of Spickard, MO. He is survived by his 5 children Marian Neumeyer and her special friend, Martin Anderson, Susan and Russell McSherry, Michael and Sherry Maxwell, Samantha and David Wentworth, all of Rapid City, and Tom and Connie Maxwell of Houston, TX.; his sisters Kathleen Wilson of Princeton, MO, sister Lois Lambert of Princeton MO, brother Bill Maxwell of Augusta, GA, and sister Rosilee Lundy of Bethany, MO. Don has 11 grandchildren: Beckie Neumeyer and significant other, Trent Mohr; Jeff (Charmyn) Neumeyer; Chris (Kaelyn) McSherry; Shanda McSherry; Mark Neumeyer; Jason Maxwell; Nikki (John) Stypa; Traci (Shane) England; Joshua (Julie) Maxwell; Michael (Brittini) Wentworth and Tyler Wentworth. He also has 14 great grandchildren: Jordan Neumeyer; Derek Neville; Ashley Neville; Brittany Mohr; Amber Mohr; Riley McSherry; Kyle McSherry; Wiley Neumeyer; Taylor McSherry; Paige McSherry; Chay Neumeyer; Trenton Stypa; Tripp and Averi England. Don loved spending time with his family and especially camping with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Following his most recent Fourth of July campout, Don exclaimed, “This was the best weekend ever!” Don was a devoted husband, a loving father, a supportive g-pa, and a fun great g-pa. He is loved dearly and will be greatly missed. He will hold a special place in our hearts forever.