Robert Edward Maxwell
October 24, 1923 - August 19, 2019
Robert E. “Bob” Maxwell was born October 24, 1923 in Seattle, WA. He was the youngest of three boys born to George and Jeanette Maxwell.
Bob was a life long Catholic who went to St. Anne School and attended mass at St. Anne parish, where he was a parishioner all his life. He graduated from Queen Anne high school, and entered the Merchant Marines after graduation. He served on ships during the Second World War, which earned him a deserved status as a veteran. With a little cajoling, Bob would tell stories of harrowing crossings of the Atlantic on a Liberty ship with U-Boats threatening the convoys. Bob served in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters.
He married Betty Shannon in 1949, settling in their own home on Queen Anne, and raised four children: Rick, Jean, Mary Kay and Pat. He worked his whole career at Seattle First National Bank (which became part of Bank of America).
In 1977, Betty suffered a massive stroke at the age of 54. She survived, but suffered significant impairment and paralysis. Bob ultimately took early retirement and cared for her full-time until her death in 1986. He once said “she cared for me all those years - I was glad I could take care of her.”
He loved his places – Queen Anne and Indianola – his family, and his friends. And any dog who happened by counted as a friend! He shared wonderful times crabbing, playing cards and visiting with friends, especially his companion until her death, Dee Hughes. Bob crabbed well into his nineties.
“Uncle Bob” as he was known to many loved a party, a laugh and people young and old. He was a sweet, gentle good man and a great dad. He will be missed.
He is survived by his children Robert Maxwell (Susan), Barbara Jean Eckstrom (Don), Mary Kay Morgan (Phil Millam) and Pat Maxwell (Sarah Conyers); his grandchildren Jason Maxwell (Hope) and Shannon Yuen (Bob) and great-grandchildren Kaleo and Frankie.
His beloved wife Betty and beloved granddaughter JP preceded him in death.
The family plans an open house celebration of his life at his Indianola home on the afternoon of October 19th.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
The family plans an open house celebration of his life at his Indianola home on the afternoon of October 19th.