Charles A. Maxon, age 77

Charles A. "Chuck" Maxon

Sept. 14, 1938 - Jan. 13, 2016
Charles A. (Chuck) Maxon, 77, Rapid City, S.D., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2016, at Rapid City Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family. 
Chuck was a long-time school administrator in western South Dakota, including the towns of Springfield, Faith, Mission, Philip, Wanblee, and for many years in Buffalo. 
Chuck, son of Laurence and Mary (Ament) Maxon, was born Sept. 14, 1938, in Lemmon. He grew up on a cattle ranch with 11 brothers and sisters near McLaughlin, graduating from McLaughlin High School where he excelled in academics and sports. He received three degrees from the University of South Dakota, including Educational Specialist, and was a life-long learner. He was an avid USD Coyotes and Green Bay Packers fan, and he loved all sports. He was an exceptional golfer, winning championships on several courses, as well as a hunter and sportsman. Chuck loved South Dakota, its landscapes and its people.
  Chuck will be remembered fondly for his wit, humor, generosity, humility and love of a good joke. His family and especially his grandchildren were the center of his life.
He was a friend to everybody and rarely forgot a name. He was a strong advocate for high school student extracurricular activities and educating young people. Chuck believed intensely in a strong public education system and worked hard to make his schools havens of learning for young and old. He cared about his people, and his staff members understood that they were valued no matter what their role. Chuck could be seen discussing curriculum one minute and pushing a broom on the basketball court the next. No task was too big or too small, and people loved and respected him for his leadership.  
After his retirement in Buffalo, one of Chuck’s special interests was the community center. He used his skills as an administrator to coordinate events held there. He also enjoyed helping with the annual Labor Day Rodeo. He was elected to the Harding Co. School Board, and took that job very seriously. 
As a father, Chuck was patient, generous, kind, funny, fair and supportive. He showed his children how to work, how to laugh, and how to love. He rewarded hard work and supported his children and grandchildren’s many interests and activities.
Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, LaVina, in 2008, and his son, Greg, in 2007. 
Grateful for having shared his life are his sons, Mark Maxon, Elizabethtown, Ky., Clay Maxon, St. Paul, Minn., and Eric Maxon and his wife, Shannon, Rapid City; five daughters, Shelly Baker and Kim Davis, Rapid City, Shaun Gant, Missoula, Mont., Kelly Penticoff and her husband, Jeff, Philip, and Nan Rasor and her husband, Tom, Houston, Texas; 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Chuck’s  family would like to invite you to reminisce with them at a Cowboy Wake at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the VFW Club, 420 Main St., in Rapid City.
Cards of condolence may be sent to Kelly Penticoff, PO Box 153, Philip, SD 57567.  Messages to the family may also be made at www.rushfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chuck’s name to: Attn: St. Basil’s Church Rebuilding Fund, Acct. #2908, PO Box 10, Eagle Butte, SD 57625, or to the charity of your choice.
 

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
E Mail: ads@pioneer-review.com

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