Major John Turner “RedMax” Maxwell, Jr., 80, of Marietta, Georgia,
passed from this life on 07 August 2012 at Kennestone Hospital in
Marietta, Georgia. Major Maxwell was born 15 March 1932 in Braddock,
Pennsylvania, to parents John Turner Maxwell, Sr. and Miriam Estella
(Hays) Maxwell. Major Maxwell grew up in Swissvale, Pennsylvania,
and New Smyrna Beach, Florida. In May 1952, at age 20, Major
Maxwell enlisted in the United States Marine Corp as an Intelligence
Clerk. During his enlisted time, he served in the Korean Conflict.
In 1955, he entered Naval Aviator Cadet (NAVCAD) training in Pensacola,
Florida, and upon graduation in November 1956, he was commissioned
as a second lieutenant. During his NAVCAD training, Major Maxwell met
and fell in love with Miss Barbara Ann “Bobbie” Gaston, of nearby Union
Church, AL. John and Bobbie were married the day after his graduation,
21 November 1956, and remained a devoted couple for over 55 years.
They had two children, John Turner Maxwell III, and Julie Ann Maxwell.
Major Maxwell’s 22 years of service in the USMC included stateside
assignments in Florida, California, Texas, Virginia, North Carolina,
Hawai’i, and Georgia, and overseas duty in Japan, the Mediterranean
Sea, Korea, and Vietnam. Though initially trained as a fixed-wing
pilot, Major Maxwell transitioned to become a helicopter pilot in
1963. As a helicopter pilot, he served selflessly and with distinction
in the Vietnam War, performing many heroic acts which saved countless
lives. For his actions, he was presented the Distinguished Flying
Cross and other medals for valor. Major Maxwell retired from the USMC
in March 1974. After his retirement, he remained in Marietta, Georgia following his
final assignment with the Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment
(MARTD) at Naval Air Station Atlanta. He entered college at Georgia
State University and, in 1977, earned a Bachelor of Science in
Criminal Justice. His post-military employment included Cobb County
Parks and Recreation and the Cobb County Department of Corrections.
Major Maxwell was known for his quick wit and engaging smile. He was
an adept story-teller and had a particular fondness for cookies, duct
tape, and the color yellow. Above all, his devotion to family was
unsurpassed. Major Maxwell is survived by his wife, Barbara, son John Maxwell III
and his wife Jennifer Brothers Maxwell, daughter Julie Norman and her
husband Lt Col Kenneth E. Norman, grandchildren John T. Maxwell IV,
Timothy I. Maxwell, Kenneth E. Norman II, Scott J. Maxwell, Andrew P.
Maxwell, Grace E. Maxwell, and Christie E. Maxwell, sister Lois Stromp
and her husband John G. Stromp, and nephews John and Michael Stromp.
Viewing will be Thursday, 09 August 2012, 6:30-900 PM at Winkenhofer
Funeral Home, 2950 Cobb Pkwy, Kennesaw, Georgia, 30152. Funeral is
Friday morning, 9:30 AM, same location. Interment is 11:30 AM Georgia
National Cemetery, Canton, Georgia.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5