Hugh Maxwell

Hugh Walter Maxwell, Sr. of Fairfield peacefully walked into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 17, 2013. He was 80 years old.



Hugh was the seventh of eight children born to William and Grace (Estlack) Maxwell on August 22, 1932, in Jordan, Montana. After William's death in 1936 the family moved to Fairfield. Hugh graduated from Fairfield High School in 1950 and then attended Montana State University. He married LaVerne Fiechtner in St. John's Catholic Church on February 14, 1954. They had just celebrated 59 wonderful years together. In May of 1954 Hugh was drafted by the Army and was stationed in Ft. Campbell, KY and Ft. Benning, GA. In 1956 Hugh and LaVerne moved to Bozeman, Mt. where he finished his education on the GI bill, graduating in 1958. Hugh taught school for a year in Denton, MT and then worked as a county extension agent in the states of Montana, Nebraska, and Iowa. Between 1954 and 1964, six children were born to Hugh and LaVerne; Patty, Steve, Ed, Teresa, Gwen and Hugh Jr. In 1972 the family moved back to Fairfield where all six children graduated from high school. After living in Lincoln, MT and Hauser Lake, Idaho for several years, Hugh and LaVerne returned to Fairfield where they have since lived, enjoying spending time with lifelong friends.



Hugh was a devoted Christian, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be lovingly remembered for his sense of humor, strength, and compassion. Hugh and LaVerne dedicated much of their lives to supporting their children's interests and making whatever sacrifices were necessary to provide opportunities for them. Grandpa Hugh took his children and grandchildren along on business trips, on fishing, hunting, and camping expeditions, made them breakfast when they came to visit, and faithfully attended every sporting or musical event he was able, freely advising the officials as necessary! Memories of horseback riding trips to Benchmark and fishing at any of the local lakes will always hold special meaning for Hugh's family. Hugh especially enjoyed fishing, despite his impatient nature (balanced only by LaVerne's inexhaustible patience.) It's still not clear whose style has been adopted by the majority of his children and grandchildren!



Hugh will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 59 years, LaVerne and his six children; Patty (Shaun) McConnell of Reno, Nevada; Steve (Roberta) of Ennis, MT; Ed (Deb) of Redmond, OR; Teresa (Jeff) Poor of Sun River, MT; Gwen (Dale) Buckingham of Sheridan, WY; and Hugh, Jr. (Lori) of Moscow, ID. He is also lovingly remembered by 20 grandchildren and their families, including 13 great-grandchildren so far! Hugh is also survived by his brother Frank. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Grace; sisters Grace and Alice; brothers Wallace, Alex, Jim and John; son-in-law Joe Lear; and great-granddaughter Patience Jane Marie Lear.



A service celebrating Hugh's life will take place on Saturday, February 23rd at 11:00 at New Life Community Church in Choteau. A lunch reception will immediately follow. Interment in the Sunset Hills Cemetery in Fairfield, MT will take place following the reception. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Gorder Jensen Funeral Home in Choteau, MT.



Condolences may be left at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com