Ralph Maxwell M.D. III

Ralph Maxwell III, M.D. passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at his home in New Orleans, LA at the age of 75. Dr. Maxwell was born on Jan. 1, 1948, in Gainesville, Florida, to the late Ralph Maxwell, Jr. and Ruth Modell Maxwell.

After relocating with his parents to New Orleans, Dr. Maxwell attended and graduated from Behrman High School, and thereafter from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with a bachelor of science degree. He then attended LSU Medical School in New Orleans, and after graduating with his medical degree, completed his medical residency and became board certified in ophthalmology, followed by a fellowship in corneal surgery. Dr. Maxwell established a successful private ophthalmology practice in Hammond, LA for many years, and served a term as Tangipahoa Parish Coroner. While a student at LSU, Ralph played the French horn in the Tiger Marching Band and became a lifelong, avid fan of LSU football, baseball, and basketball, and of the New Orleans Saints. He attended almost every game for each of these teams over many years and loved to give his tickets away to others to join him at the games. Ralph also loved painting, especially watercolor, and the restoration of religious statues, with a specific focus on religious symbolization. His Christian-influenced, artistic style was truly unique, and he was known to create his own Christmas card every year, which he would hand deliver to family and friends.

Ralph cherished being "Rip" to his five grandchildren and loved watching them play t-ball, at soccer matches and dance recitals, carpooling for tennis lessons, and attending school events. Ralph was a generous, gregarious, and kind spirit who will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. He was larger than life with a smile to match.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his daughter, Alexis Ryan Maxwell.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Martha Lewis Maxwell, and daughters, Meredith Maxwell Morel (Stephen) and Erin Maxwell Gardner (Daymon), and five grandchildren, Noah Gardner, Maxwell "Grey" Gardner, Olivia Gardner, Miles Morel, and Abigail Morel. Ralph was also the brother of the late James Mallory Maxwell and Deidre Ruth Maxwell, and a cherished Uncle to Blake and Evan Lewis, Jeremy and Nathan Maxwell, Molly Triplett, and Colleen McCammon. He was survived by his sister-in-law Mary McCammon and brother-in-law Fred Lewis, Jr. and his late brother-in-law Stephen Lewis,

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 6367 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, on Friday, June 30 at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. A private family interment will immediately follow in Hammond, LA at Rose Memorial Park Cemetery to the side of his late daughter Alexis Ryan. A YouTube video link is available for loved ones who are unable to attend.

In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in New Orleans, LA are preferred. Ralph was an active parishioner and dedicated countless service hours, prayers (and donuts …). To view and sign the guest book, visit www.schoenfh.com. Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70119 is in charge of arrangements.