William Donald Maxwell

Bill was born on October 16, 1926 in Nashua, Missouri to Ethel Wilson Maxwell and Donald Jacob Maxwell. He had two younger brothers, Robert Alden Maxwell and John Jacob Maxwell.

Bill served during WWII and upon discharge, got a job at Trans World Airlines in Kansas City, MO. Starting as a mechanic, he worked his way up in the company to eventually become part of the airline's top management. Along the way Bill took several overseas assignments with the company.

Less than a month after marrying Bettie McHenry, also of Nashua, Bill was in Cairo, Egypt working for TWA as a mechanic servicing planes. His new bride soon followed, where they explored Cairo on their government surplus Harley. It was during this time that Bill developed a love of travel and a desire to see the world.

In 1961 Bill flew his young family to Ethiopia. Working along with an international team of expats, he supervised the construction of the first jet overhaul facility on the continent of Africa and trained Ethiopian mechanics to assume full responsibility for their national airline. Another three year assignment for Trans Mediterranean Airways followed in Beirut, Lebanon from 1964-67. Shorter subsequent airline assignments were in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Manilla, Philippines.

Prior to Bill's retirement as Director of Aircraft Sales in Kansas City after 39 years with TWA, Bill and Bettie built their dream home at Weatherby Lake in 1979. They loved living at Weatherby Lake and shared their new home with family and friends, hosting numerous reunions, dinners, parties and events. Bill volunteered his free time, serving on many committees at Weatherby Lake, culminating with 8 years as mayor. Bill was a proud, dedicated Ararat Shriner for many years. He also worked as part of a team for CityMark, an advisory group helping small towns develop action plans for improvement.

To celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Bill and Bettie rented a condo for the winter in Sun City, where many of their overseas friends had settled. They eventually purchased a home on the golf course where Bill frequently played golf and joined the Palo Verde Art Club where he learned to paint, winning several awards for his work. After Bettie died, Bill eventually sold his lake house and moved permanently to Sun City in 2012.

Bill was young at heart. He loved people, never met a stranger, worked hard, played hard, loved a good party and viewed life with optimism even at the age of 96. He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, parents and brothers.

Bill is survived by his children Don Maxwell, Doug Maxwell, and Denise Maxwell-Older (Ed Older); Grandsons Justin Older (Jessica) and Stephen Older (Kelsey) and Great Grandchildren Jeffrey, Jared, Elley, Clark and Kellen. Bill is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on April 21, 2024 at the Weatherby Lake Community Center from 1:00-3:00 pm.