Walter Leroy "Lee" Maxwell, 100, Hays, peacefully passed away Friday, August 28, 2026 at Hays Medical Center surrounded by family.
He was born February 11, 1926 near Lyndon, Kansas, to Walter Leonard and Pauline Elizabeth (Green) Maxwell. Lee was the oldest of four children. The family briefly lived in Scott City, then moved to Americus, and eventually settled near Quinter when Lee’s father was offered a teaching job at Quinter High School where Lee went on to graduate with the class of 1944. During his high school career, he played football for a short time but chose to stick with basketball after his best friend Woody injured his knee during football practice. After graduating high school Lee attempted to join the military but due to a broken foot never healing correctly, he was unable to serve, so he joined the National Guard and served as a medic. After serving in the National Guard Lee went on to continue his education at McPherson College where he was a standout basketball player and then went on to attend Fort Hays State University.
From a young age, music was an important part of Lee’s life. All the children were musically inclined, Lee learned to play the trombone at a young age. Although Lee enjoyed sports in his younger years, he soon realized that music brought him even greater joy and became a lifelong passion. Lee helped pay for his way through college by playing in local jazz bands alongside Madeline and Jim. After college, he continued playing trombone in bands with Jim. While Jim went on to pursue a career in music, Lee chose to remain in Hays to raise his family and continue sharing his love of music by playing with local bands throughout the area. One of the special joys of Lee’s life was having the opportunity to play music with Jim again before his passing in 1999. No matter where Lee went, his trombone was never far behind; he always brought it along, just in case a moment arose to play.
In the early years of his career, he owned and operated Standard Service Station in Hays. During his years at the service station, he discovered a love for working with cars, which soon grew into a passion for racing. He enjoyed racing his ‘49 Oldsmobile at the drag strip and competed in dirt track racing on occasion, always embracing the excitement and challenge that came with being behind the wheel. Lee went on to become an insurance adjuster working at Kansas Claims Service until 1971, when he established his own business, Maxwell Adjusting and Appraising Service. He proudly operated his business until 1993, when his wife’s health required his full attention. Without hesitation, he stepped away from his work to remain by her side, caring for and supporting her until her passing October 3, 2001. Their love story began in a most unexpected way. While working a painting job at a drive-in movie theater, he happened to look down to notice the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. In that moment, he knew she was the woman he would marry. Just three months later on April 23, 1955, he was united in marriage to Violet D. Helwig at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays. Together, they built a loving family and were blessed with three children. They celebrated 46 years of marriage before his beloved wife preceded him in death.
Following Violet’s passing, Lee continued to fill his days with the things that brought him the greatest joy, becoming an avid member of the Victoria High School Pep Band and remaining deeply involved in music. He dedicated his life to his children and grandchildren, who were the center of his world and brought him immeasurable happiness. Music remained a constant companion throughout his life, and he continued playing well into his 90s with The Hot Shots polka band. He generously shared his musical talents through numerous productions and performances, sang with a barbershop chorus, and played with the Hays City Band. Wherever there was an opportunity to make music and bring joy to others, Lee was sure to be there - often with his trombone close at hand.
Survivors include his daughters Cheryl Ann Glassman and husband Rick of Hays and Janet Lee “Jan” Maxwell-Naegele of Hays, four grandchildren Sarah Lynn Glassman of New York City, NY, Lindsay Lee Naegele of Hays, Nicholas “Nick” Wayne Glassman and wife Caitlin of Hays, and Kelly Mae Maxwell of Round Top, TX, two great grandchildren Leeson James and Lynden Erabell Glassman, with a great grandson due in January, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Violet, his son Mark Kelly Maxwell, two brothers Jim “Jimmy” Maxwell and Robert “Bob” Maxwell and wife Eileen, and his sister Ruth Madeline “Slaps” Orth and husband Bill.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, September 4, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet and Fr. Damian Richards officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Thursday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Friday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A Christian Mothers, Our Lady Help of Christians Church Rosary will be at 5:30 pm followed by a vigil service led by Fr. Earl Befort at 6:00 pm, all on Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials payable to The Band of Angels, Hays Community Theater for the Paula D. Huser Children's Theater, or to Victoria High School, Hays High School or Thomas More Prep-Marian High School designated for their music funds. Condolences and memories of Lee may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com