Richard W. Maxwell

Richard W. "Richie" Maxwell, 65, of Benton Harbor passed away on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph.

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in Richie's name may be made to Benton Harbor Moose Lodge No. 1570. Those wishing to sign Rich's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Rich was born on Jan. 30, 1959, in Kansas City, Mo., to James W. and Hannah L. (Funk) Maxwell.

Shortly after, the family moved to Benton Harbor, where Rich attended Fairplain East and Fairplain Junior High and was active in the Fairplain Little League and Babe Ruth baseball leagues. He was an excellent pitcher who batters dreaded having to face. Rich graduated from Lake Michigan Catholic High School, class of 1977. Rich spent his working career in the roofing business. He and his partner owned and operated C & R Roofing for many years. In his free time Rich enjoyed bowling at Blossom Lanes and various tournaments with several 300 games to his credit, rooting for his beloved Chicago Cubs, riding his Harley, fishing every chance he had and spending time with his many friends around town and at the Benton Harbor Moose Lodge No. 1570 of which he was a member. He will deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Richard is survived by his step-daughter, Kelli Ameling of Bismarck, N.D.; his special assistant and caregiver, Margie Muirhead of Stevensville; and his long-time friends: Gary Wirth of Benton Harbor and Angie Gardner of Sodus.

He was preceded in death by his parents: James "Doc" and Hannah Maxwell; his brother, David; his long-time companion, Linda Holman; good friends Doug "Animal" Atkinson and Laird Hartline; and two uncles and aunts: Richard (Dorothy) Funk and James (Gay) Funk.