Paul Louis Maxwell

Paul Louis Maxwell, 84, a lifelong resident of Fredonia, died Thursday, October 12, 2006 at Beverly Health & Rehab in Neodesha, Kansas. He was born June 27, 1922 in Fredonia, the son of Clarence Nelson and Elsa Mina (Watkins) Maxwell. He was a 1940 graduate of Fredonia High School and served in the United States Army National Guard for 30 years, serving actively in the Korean War 1951-1953 and in the Army Reserve from 1953 to his retirement in 1982 attaining the rank of CWO4. He was employed as a packhouse foreman at Lafarge Corporation from 1949 to 1986. In 1941 at Fredonia, Kansas, he married Patsy Reed. She preceded him in death February 22, 1972. On May 24, 1975 in Fredonia, he married Evelyn Perry. She survives at their home. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Fredonia. He was a 57 year member of the Keystone Chapter #22, Royal Arch Masons of Independence and a Past High Priest of the Chapter. He was a 52 year member of Independence Council #15, Select Masters of Independence and a Past Illustrious Master of the Council. He was a 30 year member of the St. Bernad Commandery #10, Knights Templar of Independence and had served several times as Eminent Commander of the Commandery. In addition, he had also served the York Rite Bodies of Fredonia for many years before consolidation with the Independence Bodies. Paul was a long time member of Constellation #95 AF & AM of Fredonia, having served as Worshipful Master a number of times and had been a long time secretary of the lodge. Paul was also Shriner "Doctor" Dad. His hobbies included woodworking, citizen band radios, flying and photography. Survivors, in addition to his wife, Evelyn, include: Three sons: Stephen P. Maxwell of Fredonia, KS Paul (Dusty) E. Harshman of Neodesha, KS Earl (Rusty) D. Harshman of Neodesha, KS Three daughters: Carolyn L. Warren of Neodesha, KS Margaret A. Payne of Fredonia, KS Judy K. Allen of Altoona, KS Thirteen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Harold Maxwell and Joe Maxwell. A funeral mass will be said at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, October 16, 2006, at the Sacred Heart Church with Father Stephen Baxter officiating. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery with military rites conducted by V.F.W. Posts #3018 & #5962. A rosary will be said on Sunday, October 15 at 6:30 P.M. at the Sacred Heart Church. The family will receive friends at the church following the rosary from 7:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. A memorial has been established in his name with the Avenue of Flags and may be sent to the funeral home.