John Elvin Maddux

John Elvin Maddux, the son of Hobart Maddux and Beatrice (Mashburn) Maddux was born in Plad, Missouri on September 23, 1939 and departed this life on May 25, 2025 in Springfield, MO surrounded by his loving family. He grew up working on the family farm alongside his siblings. In 1957, he graduated from Buffalo High School. In his young adult life he enjoyed basketball, and softball, playing cards, and trips with his friends, many of the details of what happened on these trips we may never really know. On September 20th,1968 he married Janice Wise in the family home in Louisburg, Missouri. They were married for 56 years and had four children: Jamie, Mindy, Justin, and Lisa. Over the years he owned and operated auto trim and upholstery shops and served as an electrician at Frisco and BNSF Railroad. He would work days at his upholstery shop and the evening shift at the railroad and still found time to drive endless miles to fiddle lessons and contests on the weekends. He could envision a final product and fabricate something out of a pile of metal, wood, and foam and fabric without a pattern. He could call out the size of a socket we needed to hand to him with 100% accuracy by looking at the bolt and never missed an opportunity to teach his children how to fix (or even sometimes rig) something. His other skills included counting cards and somehow knowing exactly what you were holding in your hand during the final round in a game of spades. He loved hunting on his land in Dallas County with his wife. During the spring and summer months he enjoyed growing a huge garden so he could give the majority away. If jewels in your crown are also measured in acts of service, gallons of homemade ice cream served, donations to people in need, miles driven in the family suburban, baseball /softball games attended, phone calls made just to check in, and the numbers of babies that instantly fell asleep on his warm chest, then his crown is full. At the age of 85, on Sunday, May 25, 2025 Elvin passed away with his family nearby. John Elvin Maddux is survived by his wife, Janice and his 4 children: Jamie Maddux-Furr (Dave), Mindy Maddux, Justin Maddux (Elizabeth), Lisa Irvine (Mike) 3 grandchildren: Carson Key, Dustin Irvine, and Alissa Irvine all from the Springfield area. One sister: Patty Smith of Huntsville, AL, one brother Louis Maddux (Jean) of Lebanon, MO, along with several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Elvin was preceded in death by his parents: Hobart and Beatrice Maddux, sisters: Georgia Maddux, Mary Atteberry (Joe), Vera Cansler (Ralph), Kathryn Pennell (Audrey) brothers, Herbert Maddux, Ivan Maddux (Marcelline), and brother–in-law; Paul Smith. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, TN of which Elvin was a faithful donor. He always said he was blessed to have four healthy children so this was a charity of choice throughout his lifetime. A graveside service will be held at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, MO at 2:00 PM Sunday, June 1, 2025 followed by a Celebration of Life at the First Christian Church in Buffalo, MO from 2:30-4:30. The family requests that if you have a pair of bib overalls, please wear them to the Graveside service and Celebration of Life. He would want us all to be dressed comfortably. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Elvin Maddux please visit our Sympathy Store.