Vance Maxwell

Vance Maxwell passed away September 30, 2003 doing what he loved, working on his ranch. He was born January 30, 1930 in Stigler, Oklahoma. He and his wife of 56 years moved to Longview, TX in 1949 where they began building a successful life, family, and career. The entire focus of his life was his family. He was a loving father, devoted husband, and the best grandfather in the whole world. To his family and many others, he was affectionately called "Big Daddy." He was truly a self made man that came from very humble beginnings and through many years of hard work built his own company. He was the owner of Maxwell Dist. Inc. in Longview, TX. He was an active member and loyal supporter of First Christian Church. He was 32nd degree Mason and Shriner who supported many of their great efforts. He was a lifetime director of the Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas. He was a member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders Exhibitors Association, Walking Horse Owner Association, and East Texas Walking and Racking Association. He thoroughly enjoyed going to the horse shows and the camaraderie among all the exhibitors. Vance will always be remembered for how he lived life. He was truly a man that enjoyed every moment of life and what it had to offer. He very quietly cared for many people and truly had a passion and sympathy for those less fortunate. His love of the outdoors was lived out through his ranching operation. He loved working with horses and was well respected and loved by those in that industry. He very quietly and diligently served his Lord through his many efforts of giving so generously. "Big Daddy" is survived by a family that will miss him very much. His lifelong mate and friend Dot Maxwell. His son Mike Maxwell and wife Lynda Maxwell. His daughter Kelly Meazell and her husband Michael Meazell. His grandchildren Blake Cammack, Brittney Cammack, Brandon Maxwell, Kady Maxwell, and Dylan Maxwell. His sister Juanita Dubose of Longview, TX and his brother Gordon Maxwell of Stigler, Oklahoma. He was the true leader and inspiration to all his family . He was preceded in death by parents, Jess and Ruby Maxwell, and a brother Roger Maxwell. Memorials can be made out to First Christian Church of Longview or Chalk Hill Community Church Building Fund. P.O. Box 1588 Longview, Tx 75606. Pallbearers attending are Blake Cammack, Jose Luis Becerra, Willie Rose, Steve Cammack, Joe Poist, and Brandon Maxwell. Honorary Pallbearers to include Charles Reeves, Tom Landers, Doyle Flatt, Jack Benedict, Eugene Langford, Joe Mullinax, Jerrell Huffman, Bob Maness, Bill McMillan, Ed Flatt, Jerry Cargill, Ralph Townes, Johnny Simmons, Gene Knight, Mike Pullen, Lee Jackson and Ron Lepow. Memorial services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2003, at The First Christian Church of Longview with Phil Jones and Tim Diebel officiating. Following the memorial there will be lunch served at Four M Farms, in Harleton, Tx. The family will receive friends for visitation 6-8 p.m. Thursday, October 2, 2003 at Rader Funeral Home Longview, TX

Vance Maxwell

January 29, 1930 - September 30, 2003