He was born Jan. 10, 1924, in Lafayette, and was the son of the late Lee and Margaret Gilliam Maxwell. He was a 1942 graduate of Delphi High School and was president of his senior class.

He married Joan Patton on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1947, in Delphi, and she survives.

Mr. Maxwell served in the Navy during World War II and served on the first crew of aircraft carrier USS Midway and was present during the ceremony with President Eisenhower. His tour was in the South Pacific.

He farmed all his life in Carroll County, Tippecanoe Township and some in Tippecanoe County. He enjoyed all aspects of farming, especially operating his combine during corn harvest.

Mr. Maxwell was a 75-year member of Delphi United Methodist Church, serving as a trustee. He also was a member of the former Delphi Masonic Lodge, Wabash & Erie Canal Association, Delphi American Legion Post 75 and the Carroll County Community Foundation. He and his wife enjoyed wintering in Zellwood Station, Fla., for 26 years. He also enjoyed traveling, bowling, card games, camping trips to Alaska and the Western states and Indiana University basketball.

Surviving with his wife are a daughter, Susan Freeman (husband: Tom) of Lafayette; and a son, R. Phil Maxwell (wife: Teresa) of Delphi.

Also surviving are grandchildren, Dr. Anne and Dr. Christian Ball, Ryan and Sara Freeman, Rob and Jennifer Maxwell, Jared and Breanna Maxwell, David and Amanda Maxwell and Karen Maxwell (fiancé: Brian Clawson); and great-grandchildren, Maxwell "Max" Ball, Charlotte Freeman and Taylor, Ethan and Brasen Maxwell. Preceded in death by a brother, Gene; and infant grandson, Allen Maxwell. He was devoted to his family, and dearly loved them and his grand and great-grandchildren.

Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Abbott Funeral Home, Delphi. Service there 11 a.m. Thursday, Rev. Todd Ladd officiating. Burial at IOOF Memorial Gardens, Pittsburg, with Delphi & Camden American Legion and Delphi VFW Military Rites. Memorial contributions to the Carroll County Community Foundation or St. Elizabeth Healthcare Activity Fund; envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences: abbottfuneralhome@frontier.com