Laverne Maxwell, Quinter
September 15, 1932 - November 1, 2023
Howard Laverne Maxwell, a pillar of the Quinter, Kansas community, passed away peacefully at his home in rural Gove County on November 1, 2023, at the age of 91.
Laverne was born on September 15, 1932, to George Earl and Mary (Hargitt) Maxwell, southwest of Weskan, Kansas. At the tender age of 3 ½, his family moved back to Quinter, where Laverne spent his formative years. From milking 25 cows a day to custom bailing and assisting his father with the veterinarian business, Laverne's roots were firmly planted in the soil of his hometown.
He graduated from Quinter High School and on April 12, 1952, was united in marriage with Helen Marlene Mann. Together, they built a life centered around family, farming, and community. In 1959, they moved to the family farm, where Laverne's love for livestock continued. He nurtured a diverse array of animals, with a special fondness for his purebred Gelbvieh cattle herd.
A dedicated soil conservationist and skilled farmer, Laverne collaborated closely with his neighbors, fostering a sense of community that defined his life. His active involvement in the Quinter United Methodist Church showcased his commitment to faith, from singing in the choir to holding various offices and cooking breakfast with the Methodist men.
Laverne's support extended beyond the church to the Quinter schools, where he served on the school board and actively participated in his children's academics and sports. For 25 years, he worked on the sidelines of Quinter football games, serving on the chain gang and cheering on the next generation.
Laverne is survived by Helen Marlene of the home; his children Marsha (Donald) Finger, Quinter, KS, Dr. Monica Justice (Tom Crosby), Magnolia, TX, Rev. Lenard (Carolyn) Maxwell, South Hutchinson, KS, and Shawn (Trisha) Maxwell, Lee’s Summit, MO. His grandchildren Jennifer Jimenez, Kelsey Ngeh, Emily Fleming, Craig Finger, Madeline Justice, Justin Maxwell, Andrea Stalcup, Ryen Meng, Della Maxwell, Piper Maxwell, step-grandchildren Barrett Giger, Codie Giger, and 11 great-grandchildren also mourn his passing. He is also survived by his brother, Gordon Maxwell, Salina, KS; sisters Luella Hadland, Dawson Creek, BC, Canada and Anita Bray, Hawthorne, NV.
Laverne was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Maxwell, son Larry Maxwell, brother, Leonard Maxwell, sisters Loree Holaday and Louise Sorenson, mother-in-law Velma Mann, brother-in-law, Wayne Mann, sister-in-law, Karen Selfridge Maxwell; as well as other beloved in-laws, cousins, and extended family members.
Services will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. CST at the United Methodist Church in Quinter, Kansas. Interment will follow the service at the Baker Township Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Service of Northwest Kansas, or the Quinter Community Foundation Scholarship in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main St., Quinter, KS 67752.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.