Gene Walker Maxwell

Gene Walker Maxwell, age 93, Evansville, passed away on November 26, 2022. He is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Martha “Marty” (Cathey) Maxwell. A child of the Great Depression, he was born on May 9, 1929, and was the only child of Clarence Walker and Eleanor Elizabeth (Hill) Maxwell. Gene was born at home in Morton’s Gap, Ky. Seeking a better life, the young family moved to Evansville when Gene was a toddler. Clarence found employment with the Chrysler Corporation and remained there until shortly before his death in 1964. Eleanor was a homemaker her entire life and most enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Eleanor lived with her son and his second wife, Marty, until a few years before Eleanor’s death in 1979. Gene attended the Methodist Church and Unitarian Fellowship, and was a member of the Democratic Party. Gene and Marty have lived in the same home on Evansville’s North side since 1964. Except for a brief time in Louisville, Ky, Gene stayed in Evansville the remainder of his long, eventful life. He graduated from Reitz High School and played the trumpet in the school band. As a young man, he was frequently hailed as “Meatball.” Gene worked at the Whirlpool Corporation for over 30 years. An ardent patriot, Gene served in the U.S. Army National Guard for over 30 years, achieving the rank of Sergeant Major before retiring. He was married to Deloris June Gant after high school, and they had five children: Linda Richards (David), Glen Walker Maxwell (Kathleen), Keith Maxwell, John Maxwell (and loving companion Michelle Moorman), and Melissa Maxwell. These five children produced ten grandchildren: Michael Mounts, Ellen Parmenter (Nicholas), Emily June Blair, Matthew Walker Maxwell (Sherri), Joshua Maxwell (Mireya), Tonya Heitz, Amie Pruiett, Erica Humes (Greg), Alexander Myers (Rachel), and Benjamin Myers (Tabitha). There are twenty two great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Gene was exceptionally active in community service organizations. Among those who benefitted from his tireless volunteerism are: Scottish Rite, Reed Lodge Master Masons, Hadi Shrine Temple, Drum & Bugle Corps, St. Andrews Society, and the Veterans Memorial Club. Once he was asked which organization gave him the most personal gratification. He replied, “The Veterans Memorial Club. Playing taps while another veteran is laid to rest is always an honor and privilege.” He also served on the Board of Directors of the Diamond Valley Federal Credit Union. Gene loved to travel and explored his Scottish heritage by touring Scotland with Marty. They visited Alaska with two of their children & spouses. He also rode his Honda Goldwing to Nova Scotia, and all over our beautiful country, from Washington, to Florida, to the New England states. He was an expert mechanic, a skill he passed on to his sons and grandsons. He loved to go fishing and watching races and westerns on television. He will also be missed by his beloved white cat, Frosty, the last of many cats he fed and cared for. For a while, a small herd of stray cats would gather daily on their back patio to have breakfast. He took pity on and gave names to each of these strays who haunted the area of Pigeon Creek near their home. A lucky few even crossed the door jamb and became sociable housecats. Among those who crossed the Rainbow Bridge before him were Truffles and Lucky, and Frisky-Dog. There will be a masonic service beginning at 11:45 AM followed by a memorial service held at 12:00 PM on Friday, December 02, 2022 at Pierre Funeral Home. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 AM until service time on Friday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vanderburgh Humane Society, 400 Milner Industrial Drive, Evansville, IN 47710 or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Gene Walker Maxwell

May 9, 1929 - November 26, 2022