Franklin Ellis Maxwell

Franklin Ellis Maxwell, 80, passed from this world on October 30, 2024.

Frank, also known as Bucko, SpartyMax and Baby Huey, was born on December 20, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to loving parents Franklin Clement Maxwell and Nancy Service Maxwell.

Pennsylvania Railroad’s Main Line ran through the backyard of his boyhood home and started his lifelong love of Lionel Trains and all things Pennsylvania Railroad.  

As a child he traveled with his parents and sister Mollie to Stone Harbor on the Jersey Shore and later attended Camp Tecumseh on Lake Winnipesaukee.  These locations held a special place in his heart throughout his life.

He graduated from Episcopal Academy in Merion Pennsylvania in 1961 and began attending Michigan State University.  He was active in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and had brothers in that house that were worthy of the name.  

It was at MSU where he met the love of his life and forever partner, Ruth Eleanor Roring.  (He wanted to see what it was like to dance with a tall girl and decided he liked it).    

It was also at Michigan State where Frank found the other love of his life, (Spartan football and basketball).  He and Ruth went to the Rose Bowl for their honeymoon and were also there when the Spartans beat USC in 1988.  Throughout their life together Frank and Ruth shared a kiss after each Spartan touchdown.

He was a Vietnam Veteran and following his release from the service obtained an MBA from Michigan State.  This, combined with his undergraduate degree, provided a fulfilling career in sales and management in the paperboard industry.  His outgoing, fun loving personality was a great match for sales and he genuinely enjoyed his colleagues and clients.  He worked in this field for over four decades moving with employers for positions in Indiana, Illinois and Texas.

He was an active Rotarian for many years and was thrilled when he coaxed Michigan State’s head basketball coach, (Jud Heathcote) to speak at a Rotary Meeting in Wabash, Indiana.

Frank loved a good time and pretty much brought the party with him wherever he went.  People were drawn to his larger than life voice and personality.  In retirement, he and Ruth volunteered at the nature center at Indiana Dunes State Park and on the Amtrak Trails and Rails program promoting the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.  

They were also known in the area as Mr. and Mrs. Claus.  What started as a one-time appearance at a dental office staff party grew into annual “gigs” in northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan.  Folks realized they were naturals in this capacity.  They had as much fun as the kids, but Santa was ready for a beer afterward.

Frank enjoyed New York Times crossword puzzles, history books, travel and M*A*S*H  reruns .  He loved Cajun seafood, authentic Philly cheesesteaks and cooking new recipes for family and friends.  He could often be found with his good friends watching the Phillies, Eagles and Bears in local establishments in Chesterton and Porter, Indiana.  

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth, daughter, Jennifer, son Michael (wife Beth), sister Mollie McKinney, nephews John Richard Roring, Joseph Roring and Fred Roring and his nieces Nancy Vita, Christine Shivers, Suzanne Smith and Elisa Collett.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aunt Emilie Maxwell MacFarland and two great dogs, Daisy and Bella.  

He always said, “A man has lived a successful life if he has one good wife and one good dog.  I’ve had one of the first and two of the second.”

Beloved Frank and Dad, you made us laugh, you made us think, you made us feel known, you made us beer-batter buckwheat pancakes on Sunday mornings and you made us happier than we ever could have been without you.  Thank you.  It’s hard to believe that the world continues to spin.  

Please join us for a celebration of life honoring Frank on Monday, December 9, 2024  from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Speakeasy at the Spa 333 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Frank’s name to the Town of Porter Volunteer Fire Department.

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