Donald L. Maxwell

Donald L. Maxwell of Colfax, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2011, with his family at his side. Born to Ales and Susie Maxwell on February 14, 1930, Don was one of 17 children. At the age of 9, Don went to live with Archie and Margaret Boots who became his foster parents and raised him as their own. He was married to Carolyn Sue Lowery on May 9, 1953, and she survives.

Don graduated from Darlington High School in 1949 where in participated in basketball and baseball. In February, 1951 he entered the Army and courageously served his country during the Korean Conflict with the Combat Engineers of the 7th Infantry Division. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant and served as squad leader of a demolition unit. He was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat, the United Nations Service Ribbon and the Korean Service Ribbon. Upon discharge from the Army, he returned to the Darlington/Colfax area where he and his wife farmed until retirement. Don was a life¬time member of the American Legion, a member of the Colfax Christian Church, VFW, 40&8, and a former member of the Elks, Moose, Eagles and Colfax Lions Club. He was a former Sugar Creek Township Trustee, Montgomery County Commissioner, North Montgomery School Building Committee member, and North Montgomery School Board member. Before his health declined, Don was very active in standard-bred harness racing. For several years he served as Speed Superintendent at the Clinton County Fair and was an Assistant Speed Superintendent at the Indiana State Fair. Don never met a stranger and was happiest when he was with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.

Surviving along with his wife, Carolyn, and left to cherish his memory and many stories are his daughter Cindy Eaton of Lafayette, IN; two sons: David Maxwell (Tammy) of Beecher, IL and Rich Maxwell of Crawfordsville; two granddaughters: Kara Rees (Todd) of Indianapolis and Jessica Maxwell of Normal, IL; two grandsons: Brian Eaton (Tasha) of Lafayette and Kyle Maxwell of Beecher, IL; one great-grandson:
Ryker Eaton of Lafayette; one brother: Darrell Maxwell (Patsy) of New Symrna Beach, FL, and special friend Cathy Lough. Preceeding him in death were his parents and foster parents; a daughter, Cathy; a grandson, Brandon; a son-in-law, Bob Eaton; and 8 sisters and 7 brothers.

Funeral service will be held Sun., Nov. 13, at Genda Funeral Home at 2:00 PM with Pastor Tim Grasham officiating.  Burial will be at Green Lawn Cemetery with military burial honors.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sat., Nov. 12 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Darlington Public Library, P.O. Box 248, Darlington, IN 47940 to be used for children's reading programs.