Joseph L. Maxwell
Revised
Joseph L. Maxwell of Clarksburg/Salem, WV, passed at home, in peace to be with his Lord and Savior and his eldest son on December 28th. Joe is survived by his wife of 39 years, Angela “Vincent” Maxwell and their youngest son, Adam Harold Maxwell of Gregory’s Run Road. Joe was born in Clarksburg on February 4, 1954, as the second of four sons to “Dink” and Lenora Maxwell of Salem, WV.
In addition to his wife and son, Joe is survived by two brothers: Steven L. (wife Pamela) Maxwell of Morgantown, WV, and Charles L. (wife Peggy) Maxwell of Morgantown, WV, along with several nieces and nephew/great nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his eldest son, Leeman “Lee” Joseph Maxwell; his brother, Leeman “Phil” Maxwell; his parents Leeman “Dink” M. and Lenora J. Maxwell.
Joe was a devoted husband, loving father and always a very diligent worker. Joe’s father passed when he was just eight years old, he began working that same year delivering newspapers in Salem to help his family. He delivered papers for 10 years, until his graduation from Salem High School in 1972, where he lettered in basketball. He started college at WVU and completed his Business degree at Fairmont State College.
Joe enjoyed serving his fellow West Virginia citizens as a first responder in several capacities over the years. He volunteered at the Salem Fire Department and in 1984 got married then transferred to the Reynoldsville Fire Department. He volunteered in the Emergency Medical Services, becoming an E.M.T. with the Harrison County E.M.S. as a part of the “The Bump Crew” – (Thursday night crew). After high school, he worked with the Heck’s Corp. in various departments up to management/department head positions, along with serving as a police officer for the city of Salem.
He was a dedicated telecommunicator for over a decade with WV State Police, Shinnston Detachment. Afterwards became a Deputy with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department to protect and serve for well over 15+ years. He was nicknamed “Papaw” at the WV State Police Training Academy, as he was the oldest in his class at 40+ and outran many of the 20-year-old cadets during the long weeks of training. As a cerebral palsy victim, he amazed medical personnel with his ability to push and achieve his goals.
Due to injuries received in the line of duty, he had to accept a desk job with the FBI-Clarksburg, WV, in the Uniformed Crime Reporting Program. While at the FBI, Joe received several awards while working hard to support and assist law enforcement in various states.
Throughout Joe’s childhood he attended church service faithfully at the Salem Methodist Church. Upon Joe’s marriage he began attending the Wilsonburg Baptist Church. He was dedicated to his faith and supported the church, community, and various programs. Joe was proud of his sons and active with their sports, as a great coach continually backing them. He took great pride in maintaining his property. Neighbors would tell him how neat his yard looked and wished theirs looked half that good. Throughout his battle with Glioblastoma Stage 4 brain cancer, he continued to perform minor yard work. He would need more and more recovery time afterwards, but insisted on continuing to do so, regardless.
Joe enjoyed taking time to ride especially his Harley motorcycle, which was inherited from his brother Phil, until health issues forced him to switch to a Spyder Can Am. He was an avid biker and enjoyed getting to spend the time outside enjoying WV’s scenic highways. He was happy to have made two trips to ride the “Tail of the Dragon” and travel on the Blueridge Parkway, along with numerous WV country roads. After a three-year courageous battle with Glioblastoma Stage 4 Brain Cancer, he left us to go to his home with our Lord, where it is promised he will receive his new (cancer free) body in Christ. Joe will be deeply missed and so will his service to our West Virginia communities.
Family will receive friends at Davis Funeral Home – Salem, 1999 W. Main Street, Salem, on Friday, January 5, 2024 from 3-7 PM and on Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 9:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM with Pastor Brian Thompson officiating. Interment will follow at K of P Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wilsonburg Baptist Church, C\O Bonita Meredith, 132 Hillshire Drive, Salem WV 26426. Online condolences may be sent to www.DavisFuneralHomeSalemWV.com. Davis Funeral Home Salem is honored to serve the Maxwell family.