Ival Maxwell

Ival Maxwell, 95, of Marion, IL died at 8:00 am on Saturday April 15, 2017 of heart failure in the Veterans Administration’s Hospice for Heroes unit at the VA Hospital in Marion, Illinois. Ival was born on January 8, 1922 to Charles Herman and Anna Flora (Harvey) Maxwell south of Union, Indiana in a 2-story log cabin. He married Martha Lee (Waters) Maxwell on April 6, 1946. Together they shared 70+ years.  Martha survives in Marion.   He is survived by sons Larry Michael and wife Rhonda Maxwell of Batavia OH, and James Stephen and wife Judith Maxwell of Marion IL, and daughter Susan Maria and husband Shaun Hampton of Carterville, IL. Ival was a proud Army veteran. He enlisted in the Army in March 1943, was in-processed at Fort Benjamin Harrison IN, and trained at Camp Swift TX and Ft Leonard Wood MO.  He shipped out and saw duty in India and Burma where he joined forces with the Army’s provisional force known as Merrill’s Marauders.  His DD214 Army Discharge papers note that he received 4 Bronze Stars and other awards for his Army service. Ival’s working career included working the oil fields of southern Indiana and ended when he retired from IBEW Electrical Local 702. Ival was proud of his work building electrical high lines throughout the area.  His crews affectionately called him “Eyeballs”. Ival was most proud of his 7 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren. Mike’s children include three sons – Ben of Batavia OH, Matt and wife Jennifer with son Lucas of Cold Springs KY, and Josh and wife Jamie with son Jaxon and daughters Jocelynn and Jillian of West Chester OH. Steve’s daughter Kelly and husband Alex Parks with sons Luke and Logan and daughter Shelby of Carterville IL.  Susan’s children include three daughters – Brooke and husband Curt Mayer with sons Landon and Cruz of Carterville IL, Brandi and husband Jeremy Siedler of Carbondale IL, and Ashley and husband Keith Bennett with sons Knox and Dominick of Christopher IL. Ival and Martha attended Aldersgate Methodist Church in Marion for many years. Ival was also a 32 degree Master Mason.  He proudly wore his Masonic 32 degree ring until his passing.  He enjoyed attending auctions and getting bargains.  He leaves behind many friends including special friends Bob and Beverly Binkley of Marion. The family sends a special “Thank You” to the doctors, nurses, workers, and volunteers at the Marion VA Hospital for their care and considerations during Ival’s final days. The family requests family, friends, and others to “Thank a Vet” in lieu of flowers or donations. Blue Funeral Home has honored Ival’s wishes for cremation. A visitation period will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 pm on Saturday April 29 at Blue Funeral Home, 1704 N Court St, in Marion.  A brief celebration of life service, with military rites will follow the visitation to allow ample time for family and friends to return home safely.