Howard Raymond Maxim

“It was a dark and stormy night and the fleet captain got up and said, tell me a story…” And on Monday, October 27, 2025, Howard Raymond Maxim’s story came to a peaceful end after 93 unforgettable years. Formerly of Augusta, Maine, Howard most recently lived in Concord, North Carolina and passed away at home surrounded by his loving family.

But before we speak of the end, let us speak of the beginning: Howard was born August 14, 1932 in South Gardiner, Maine to the late Benjamin Franklin Maxim and the late Dorothy W. Potter Maxim. An attendee of Cony High School’s Class of 1951, Howard married his high school sweetheart, Janet Patricia Burns Maxim on September 22 of the same year. They would remain married and utterly devoted to each other for the next 74 years. As they built their home, Howard spent nearly 40 years working for the Kennebec Journal as Supervisor of the Press.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara; great-granddaughter, Vada-Leigh; brother-in-law Jimmy Burns; mother-in-law Lydia Burns; and brothers Bill, Walter, and Dickey.

Survivors–each of whom Howard often said would be “an apple on a tree, a snake in the grass, or moss on a rock” without him–include his wife, Janet of Concord, NC; son, R. Michael Maxim of Augusta, ME; son, Scott E. Maxim and wife Teresa of Harrisburg, NC; grandchildren, including his favorite grandson, Jason Maxim (Cindee); Molly Kimball (Patrick); Erica Maxim; Megan Peaslee (Ron); Abigail Maxim; great grandchildren, Keegan Maxim, Dirigo Peaslee, Haven Peaslee; and sister-in-law Sue Maxim.

Those that knew Howard would describe him as “colorful,” or “eccentric,” unless you were his daughter, Barbara, who simply called him her “hero.” But they would also know that no singular word could describe the force of personality that Howard was to each and every person he met. Instead, we’ll try and paint a picture to show who “The Rock” really was:

Walking into his garage (for his garage was his true home), you’d be greeted by three things: an abundance of color in the form of coloring pages turned into wallpaper, his “Wall of Fame,” featuring pictures of all his favorite loved ones, and the centerpiece–his pool table. He’d offer you a Blue Moon, and you’d settle down on a lawn chair to watch a ball game on the TV he had installed in the corner. No matter who you were, whether you were family, a friend, or just someone passing by, you’d leave with your heart feeling fuller than it was before you entered.

His family will also remember him for his extravagant Christmas decorations, his wild and almost unintelligible handwriting, his love for fluffa-nutters and everything peanut butter, and the dedication in which he cared for his lawn–indeed, it was nothing short of a work of art.

Throughout his final days, Howard was tenderly cared for by his “sweetheart,” daughter-in-law Teresa; his beloved caretaker of 3 years, Gretta Spencer; and his wonderful team of hospice nurses and professionals.

Memorials for Howard may be made to Speedway Children’s Ministry, Atrium Health Hospice and Palliative Care, or your local animal shelter.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Maxim family.