Wayne Maxwell

Wayne H. Maxwell, 67, of Niles, died peacefully Friday, December 12, 2025 in the comfort of his family's presence.

His life began April 10, 1958 in South Bend, Indiana the youngest of two children born to Harold and Joan Maxwell. He married Kelly R. Liggett April 12, 1980 in First Presbyterian Church of Niles.

Wayne was a proud member of the Niles High School Class of '76 where he graduated with honors. He was a sheet metal genius: if he could draw it, he could make it. His specialty was the Goldberg Chase. He was an outstanding Fastpitch softball third baseman and pitcher. Wayne started in the Niles League and then went to the Midwest Travel League. Then he moved up to the majors where he played for Plangger's Furniture and then Trans Aire. He was a top third baseman in the country from the mid '80s to the early '90s. They won the Major National Championship in 1988, where he had two hits, stole second, and scored on a single to left field. He won a US Olympic Festival Gold Medal in 1989. Wayne won eleven state championships and was named MVP several times throughout his career. He used to say, "He was glad his first love liked his second love, as much as he did."

Wayne loved the University of Michigan and was an avid fan of the Detroit Lions and Tigers.

Wayne will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-five years, Kelly Maxwell of Niles; his mother, Joan Maxwell of Niles; sister, Julie (Jim) Morris of Niles; special cousins, Dianne (Paul) Zielbauer of Buchanan, Tammy (Mike) Zeigert of Niles; nieces, Jennifer Morris, Kateasha Crespo, Cali Katzenberger; nephews, Dillon Wayne Crespo, Wyatt Katzenberger; father-in-law, Marty Liggett; sister-in-law, Marci Katzenberger; brother-in-law, David Crespo, Sr.; his precious dogs, Belle, Dragon, and a host of cousins, teammates, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father; mother-in-law, Diane Liggett; sister-in-law, Tracy Crespo; nephew, David Crespo, Jr.; cousins, Bob Fischer, and Layne Rose.

Family and friends will gather from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025 in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025 in the funeral home.

Wayne will be laid to rest in Union Cemetery, Berrien Center.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Wayne be made to D1 Fastpitch Team, care of Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.

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