Bruce Stanley Maxwell

Bruce Stanley Maxwell turned 94 on March 31, 2024 and shared his birthday with Easter Sunday. He passed away with family present last Tuesday, April 16. 

Bruce was born Miami, Florida in 1930 to William Henry and Wilma May Maxwell. Thought he wanted to be a policeman, “when I grow up” he entered the Army in 1947. He served five years as a Paratrooper for the 11th Airborne Army and performed in the Army Band learning to play the trumpet during his enlistment. 

Bruce went on to attend Murray State University in Kentucky for his Bachelor’s on Music Education and then later completed his Master’s degree at CU in Boulder, Colorado. 

In 1957, Bruce and June Rose Colvis were joined in marriage in McLeans Boro, Illinois. Bruce then spent his career as a Music Teacher for band and chorus in Illinois, New Mexico, Alaska, Arizona and Colorado, spending the bulk of his tenure in the Garfield School District RE2. While in Colorado teaching, Bruce also renovated the family home, planted vegetable gardens, helped build Harvey Gap Reservoir and worked in a local furniture store. 

Bruce and June raised 5 children, all of whom he was proud to say are strong Christians. Bruce was a true conservative, with a strong love for God, family and the Country. 

Upon retirement at the age of 60, Bruce enjoyed landscaping their new home in Clifton, motorcycle trips on this Goldwing motor cycle, and RV trips with the Rocky Mountain Roamers. He and June spent many years visiting family and exploring state parks. He also enjoyed playing pool and listening to music, particularly hymns, polkas, and marches. 

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents; William and Wilma. He is survived by his wife June of 67 years, their five children; Kathy Stanley, Robert Maxwell, Cindy Mills, Steve Maxwell, and Diane Lister, also 12 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. 

Until very recently Bruce enjoyed his daily walks when he prayed for every family member by name.