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Funeral services will take place on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 7:00 PM (Mountain).

VFW - 420 Main St.
Rapid City, South Dakota

Mossman Cemetery
Ridgeview, South Dakota



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In memory of

Charles "Chuck" Maxon

of Rapid City, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital at the age of 77

Chuck was a long-time school administrator in western South Dakota, including the towns of Springfield, Faith, Mission, Philip, Wanblee, and for many years in Buffalo.

Chuck, son of Laurence and Mary (Ament) Maxon, was born Sept. 14, 1938, in Lemmon. He grew up on a cattle ranch with 11 brothers and sisters near McLaughlin, graduating from McLaughlin High School where he excelled in academics and sports. He received three degrees from the University of South Dakota, including Educational Specialist, and was a life-long learner. He was an avid USD Coyotes and Green Bay Packers fan, and he loved all sports. He was an exceptional golfer, winning championships on several courses, as well as a hunter and sportsman. Chuck loved South Dakota, its landscapes and its people.

Chuck will be remembered fondly for his wit, humor, generosity, humility and love of a good joke. His family and especially his grandchildren were the center of his life.

He was a friend to everybody and rarely forgot a name. He was a strong advocate for high school student extracurricular activities and educating young people. Chuck believed intensely in a strong public education system and worked hard to make his schools havens of learning for young and old. He cared about his people, and his staff members understood that they were valued no matter what their role. Chuck could be seen discussing curriculum one minute and pushing a broom on the basketball court the next. No task was too big or too small, and people loved and respected him for his leadership.

After his retirement in Buffalo, one of Chuck’s special interests was the community center. He used his skills as an administrator to coordinate events held there. He also enjoyed helping with the annual Labor Day Rodeo. He was elected to the Harding Co. School Board, and took that job very seriously.

As a father, Chuck was patient, generous, kind, funny, fair and supportive. He showed his children how to work, how to laugh, and how to love. He rewarded hard work and supported his children and grandchildren’s many interests and activities.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, LaVina, in 2008, and his son, Greg, in 2007.

Grateful for having shared his life are his sons, Mark Maxon, Elizabethtown, Ky., Clay Maxon, St. Paul, Minn., and Eric Maxon and his wife, Shannon, Rapid City; five daughters, Shelly Baker and Kim Davis, Rapid City, Shaun Gant, Missoula, Mont., Kelly Penticoff and her husband, Jeff, Philip, and Nan Rasor and her husband, Tom, Houston, Texas; 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Chuck’s family would like to invite you to reminisce with them at a Cowboy Wake at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the VFW Club, 420 Main St., in Rapid City.

Cards of condolence may be sent to Kelly Penticoff, PO Box 153, Philip, SD 57567. Messages to the family may also be made at www.rushfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chuck’s name to: Attn: St. Basil’s Church Rebuilding Fund, Acct. #2908, PO Box 10, Eagle Butte, SD 57625, or to the charity of your choice.

MEMORIAL GATHERING
Saturday, January 16, 2016
7:00 p.m.
VFW - 420 Main Street
Rapid City, South Dakota

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Saturday, January 16, 2016 - 7:00 p.m.
VFW - 420 Main Street
Rapid City, South Dakota

INTERMENT AT A LATER DATE
Mossman Cemetery
Ridgeview, South Dakota

  • Maxon family, I was so sad to hear of your dads passing, he was a great man with a wonderful personality,I always loved running into him when he was in town as we would talk of how he hired me for my first job as a teacher in Philip ,with a 2 room school and and old trailor that snowed in the bedroom!! I thought alot of him. Time heals the heart, remember the great times. ~ Pennie @Bill SLovek Philip (1/26/2016)
  • My condolences and prayers to the Maxon family. Rest in peace for this fine man. ~ Rob Stalder Lakewood (1/22/2016)
  • Our sympathy to all of Chucks family's. What more can be said about a wonderful person that Chuck was. We are glad that we knew him and his family. Rip Chuck. ~ Mike and Marlene Kurle Rapid city, SD (1/17/2016)
  • My sympathy to the Maxon family. Your dad was principal at Todd County HS when I was a student in the 70's. He was stern, but fair and I love this picture with his smile. My dad served on the school board during that time also. Sorry for your loss, and hope you have a lifetime of good memories. God bless. ~ Jean (Gunnink) Burge Valentine, NE (1/17/2016)
  • Chuck was an legend in his time, he was very compassionate, respected by everyone know, I worked with him, his words of support had great influence in our life. Last time I visited with him was in 2015. In my work and travels I often thought of him and the family. We all lost a great person, Our prayers and thoughts are with your families ~ Jerome & Theresa High Horse Wanblee South Dakota (1/16/2016)
  • Chuck was a good superintendent, and a good friend. Mick spent many hours "in the principals office".!!
    Donation made to the Buffalo community center.     ~ Mick and Jane Denzin Buffalo S D (1/16/2016)
  • Condolences to all the Maxon Family. Chuck & I (larry) were classmates in good ole McLaughlin from the 1st grade thru our Senior year in 1956. He was always a great person who reached out to those around him. I'm honored to have been able to see him before his passing, ~ Larry & Margaret Taylor Black Hawk, SD (1/16/2016)
  • Enjoyed seeing your Dad again after we moved to ND as he would bring his dog up to the vet clinic. He always filled me in on what all you kids were doing !! Will be keeping you in our prayers during this difficult time. ~ Tammie Parsons Kruger Bowman ND (1/16/2016)
  • R. I. P Chuck ~ Wayne Randall Wanblee SD (1/16/2016)
  • Mr. Maxon was an administrator that I held in high esteem and utmost respect. I never saw the man without a gentle smile and a firm handshake. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends... ~ Carol Brookens Sturgis, SD (1/16/2016)
  • We are so sorry to hear of this great loss! Me God wrap His loving arms around you all. Our love and prayers, Mike & Shar ~ Mike & Shar Moses Philip (1/16/2016)
  • As high school rivals we knew the Maxons would always show up and be hard to beat. Good athletes and good men! GO PACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~ Grant Coffin Black Hawk, SD (1/16/2016)
  • What an inspiring person. I thought Mr.maxon was a great superintendent. He will be greatly missed. Lots of sympathy. ~ Spring padden Ludlow (1/15/2016)
  • May you have many memories that will bring smiles to your face and heart as you gather in the next few days. I remember Mr Maxon from his years at Faith, Nan was in my class. My thoughts and prayers for you all during this difficult time. ~ Donna Storm Wicks Longmont, Colorado (1/15/2016)
  • My love and prayers to all the family. It is so hard to lose your dad and grandpa. It always helps me to think of my dad dancing with Angels in. Heaven and thinking of memories ~ Joan Kirchhevel Rapid City (1/15/2016)
  • Chuck was my math teacher at Springfield High School in 1964-1966. I had an appointment to West Point but there was a problem. West Point required four years of high school math. Springfield was not offering senior math so I was going to come up a year short. Chuck stepped in and said he would teach a senior math class and I had my fourth year, entered in 1966, and graduated in 1970, I thanked Chuck every time I saw him, which wasn't enough.. Needless to say, Chuck Maxon was a key figure in my life. ~ Dick Martin Denver, Colorado (1/15/2016)
  • Chuck znd I were in Mission during the A.I.M. uprising and one night Russell Means was making a challenge on Main Street and Chuck said let me go talk to him and so he did. Russell told Chuck the problem with you white folk is that you don"t understand us Indians. Chuck replied, "you are right Russell I have been married to one for a long time and I don't understand her." And the challenge was over. ~ chris Anderson Spearfish SD (1/15/2016)
  • I am very happy to be able to call Chuck a friend. We didn't see each other often, but when we did it was always a good experience. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. ~ Boyd Waara Philip (1/15/2016)
  • We are very sorry to hear about Chuck. He was always so fun to be around and we are glad to say he was our friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. ~ Marion & Darlene Matt Philip (1/15/2016)
  • Sorry for your loss. I'm sure the stories and jokes are rampant now with Chuck and my dad, Bert Cameron. ~ Connie Boomsma Box Elder, SD (1/15/2016)
  • Mr. Maxon was a great administrator. He was always a strong supporter of us students at Crazy Horse School - Wanblee, SD and instilled in the students confidence and boosted our self esteem by allowing us to advocate while promoting a positive learning environment. My prayers and sympathies to his family and friends. ~ Percetta Red Willow Fort Yates, ND (1/15/2016)
  • I remember your dad, as Mr. Maxon, of course, from his years at the Faith school. Greg was in my class, and I remember the rest of you. I am thinking of all of you, and wishing you all Peace. ~ Cindy Escott Faith, SD (1/14/2016)
  • Please except my condolences to Chuck's family and friends. I know Chuchk when I worked and coached basketball at Faith, Dupree, and Bison. He was the type of person that you remembered with fondness. He was always glad to see you and converse with you, especially about up and coming area basketball teams. ~ Delmar Bowes DeSmet, SD (1/14/2016)
  • Kelly & family,
    Our sincerest sympathy to You all in the death of your Dad; it is a big loss; remember the good times that You all shared and lean on the Lord for Comfort. Thinking of You! Kathy & Jerry     ~ Kathy S. & Jerry Noteboom Yuma, Az. (1/14/2016)
  • Your father was a remarkable man who faced the challenges of public education with strength and compassion for the comunities he served. God bless you all as you adjust to life without your dad. ~ Jerald and Andrea Cook Cottonwood, SD (1/14/2016)
  • we remember Chuck when he taught in Faith and Lavina was ind the Faith Ladies Chorus. Our love and prayers are with you . ~ Lyle And Arlene T Beebe Diamondville, Wy. (1/14/2016)
  • I always enjoyed my time with Chuck. He had a great sence of humor ~ Randy Ales Hermosa SD (1/14/2016)
  • We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad . Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole. We didn't know Chuck that well but to have such a special son like Eric he had to be a great person. May God Bless and help you thru your loss. ~ Darwin and Betty Haerer Wall, SD (1/14/2016)