Frank Maxwell's Obituary
Frank Maxwell was born on April 22, 1927 to James Franklin and Willie Elnora (Rhoads) Maxwell in Paris. Texas. He died on June 22, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. His beloved wife, Mary, preceded him in death on July 19, 2009. He is survived by his son Don and daughter-in-law Donna Maxwell; daughter Gloria and son-in-law Terry Garrett; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Frank was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on September 25, 1955. He found great joy in sharing his hope of a “new heavens and a new earth” (2 Peter 3:13) in which righteousness will dwell. He spoke with great confidence of awaiting the resurrection promise that Jesus gave at John 5:28 “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus’) voice and come out.” He met the love of his life in January 1946 while stationed in the Naval Reserves in Gulfport, MS. They soon began dating which featured dancing on riverboats in New Orleans. When he was shipped out of Gulfport their courtship continued via their love letters. Frank made occasional train trips to New Orleans to see Mary. They were married in December 1946 and came to live in Paris, Texas. Frank continued his education as an Electrical Engineering student at the University of Texas in Austin from 1947 until his graduation in 1951. While an engineering student, he built a television which he put on display in an engineering show as an “oddity.” Immediately after graduation, he was employed by Philco in Philadelphia, PA. While in Philadelphia, Frank and Mary’s son Don was born in 1953 and their daughter, Gloria, was born in May 1955. On Easter Sunday in 1954, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses rang his doorbell. A discussion ensued about the promise of a “new heavens and new earth” in 2 Pet. 3:13. A few nights later, the Witness called him on the telephone to arrange a time to come back and continue their discussion. The pioneer brother who studied the Bible with him was giving a Public Discourse soon and that is when Frank first began to attend congregation meetings. These meetings were important to him throughout his life. He made sure to listen by telephone in his advanced age when his infirmity prevented him from leaving the house. Soon after moving to Atlanta, GA in 1958, Frank took his five year old son, Don, to New York for the eight day “Divine Will” International Assembly, being among the more than 250,000 in attendance. Frank again moved his family to Beverly, MA in 1963. Frank did not tolerate the cold weather so in 1966 he moved the family to Dallas, Texas. Soon, he and his family were then part of the White Rock Congregation. Frank was happy that this move put him closer to his mother and family in Paris, TX. Frank continued his joyful work of sharing the kingdom good news, conducting bible studies, and faithfully caring for congregation responsibilities. He was appointed as an elder in the White Rock Congregation in 1972 and shortly thereafter transferred to the Lake Highlands Congregation when it formed. He retired from Texas Utilities in 1987 and was then able to serve more fully in the congregation. Frank and Mary were known for their loving concern for the sick and elderly, visiting them often in their homes and in hospitals. They served in several different Dallas area congregations over the years. Frank was known for the training and assistance he provided to many servants and elders. Frank, secure in Jehovah’s loving memory, leaves behind many friends. He may be “sleeping in death” but all can take comfort in the resurrection hope.. Family will receive friends on Thursday, June 23, 2016 from 6:00PM – 8:00PM at Restland Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held, Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 1:30PM at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 4702 O’Banion Rd. Garland TX 75043-3036. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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