Bob Maxwell remembered: Simple service for humble hero
Central Oregonians remembered a local World War II veteran and war hero on Friday, not just for his bravery in combat but the humble Bend resident’s strong faith, love of family and broad bands of friendship.
The memorial service for Robert Dale Maxwell took place at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond. Maxwell passed away May 11 at the age of 98 in Bend, his home for many years, and he was the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient at the time of his passing.
” If we needed someone that would survive and would be a spokesperson and demonstrate what’s best about being an American, it was probably Bob, ” said Redmond Mayor George Endicott, one of several speakers at the roughly 90-minute gathering attended by hundreds.
Maxwell earned the Medal of Honor after jumping on a German grenade in 1945 to save his fellow soldiers in Italy. It was a courageous act in which he lost most of one foot, part of his leg and suffered a concussion.
He was the true embodiment of a Medal of Honor recipient — but much more, all who knew him said.
” Honor, integrity, selflessness and courage. Those are the pillars, ” said Jane Barnes, the health advocate and care coordinator with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
Many veterans in Central Oregon had a relationship with Maxwell. They said they will feel his loss, but always smile at their memories.
” Bob is like that shining light, that candle that everybody wants to be, ” said J.W. Terry, president of the Oregon Band of Brothers. ” His leadership, his graciousness, the way he talked with everybody — whether you were a youngster, a little child or a grown-up adult, Bob treated everybody the same. ”
As the crowd took their seats in the Expo Center, Endicott said, ” We lost a hero. I’m glad to see the entire community stepping up to acknowledge that. ”
Bagpipes were played as Maxwell’s American flag-draped casket arrived, and again later as an Army honors detail slowly, in measured steps, placed it back in the funeral coach for the trip to Terrebonne. The last song: ” Amazing Grace. ”
In between, speakers including Pastor Mike Yunker and Maxwell’s good friend and Idaho minister Dr. Charles Crane shared stories that underscored the fallen soldier’s roots, strong Christian beliefs and modesty – so much so that it was only after a year of discipleship together that Crane heard — from someone else — of Maxwell’s highly decorated status.
” Just doing my duty, ” he told his friend, who had a chance to sit with him just days before his passing, praying for each other and promising ” we were going to try to be stationed in Glory ” together,
” Today, we remember Robert D. Maxwell, truly the best, ” Crane said. ” He was a national treasure of the United States of America. He was a worldwide and eternal treasure. Be seein ‘ ya, Bob. ”
While music played, a video montage was shared, full of photos of Maxwell, many with his wife Bea and other family and friends, others with those he met at ceremonial events and even with President George W. Bush.
There are now 69 living Medal of Honor recipients. Vietnam War veteran Gary Littrell is one of them. He traveled all the way from Florida to attend the ceremony.
” I’m losing a brother, ” Littrell said. ” Bob was closer to me than my blood brother. ”
Littrell said Maxwell never bragged about his military experience. Instead, he said, Maxwell bragged about his family. As Rep. Greg Walden pointed out, Maxwell also cared about his community.
” For the community here in Central Oregon, Bob Maxwell was more than just America’s oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, ” Walden said. ” He was not just an American hero. He was simply an inspiration, for young and old alike. ”
Walden said he was proud to call Maxwell a friend and told the audience ” he will forever be cherished in the country he gave so much to protect. ”
Maxwell later was buried at the Terrebonne Pioneer Cemetery next to his wife of 54 years, Beatrice.
Maxwell may have passed, all who knew him said, but his legacy will never end.
