October 30, 1942 ~ June 19, 2020
Gary Richard Maixner graduated into his heavenly degree with highest honors, June 19, 2020.
Gary was born October 30, 1942 to Leslie Marcellas Maixner and Wilda Fleishcauer Maixner in Douglas, Kansas. The strength he exhibited throughout his life was molded at a very young age when he contracted polio. While the disease resulted in a smaller stature, it failed to diminish his best qualities, strength of character, honesty and integrity.
Our dad was our hero. The strongest man we knew.
The United State Navy called and Dad answered. This is both gutsy and humorous because Dad could not swim.
Shortly after joining, he married our Mom, Milam Maybell Hunter Maixner, known to friends and family as Mickey. One honeymoon and one unexpected shore leave added their first two children.
After multiple tours in the waters around Vietnam, Dad left the navy to continue his life of service in the US Postal Service, moving his young family to Enid, OK where they were blessed with two more children. He became a regular at Saturday night car races with the boys, always sitting in the same seat for over a decade.
Dad would later be appointed Postmaster of the small town of Drummond, OK. Never to refuse service to his community, he also served on the School Board, Lions Club and Volunteer Fire Department, as well as less prestigious positions of head of the newspaper delivery service (us kids) and lawn care extraordinaire.
After retirement, Dad served as caretaker of a rock museum before he and Mom moved to Goodwell, OK. Dad worked landscaping for Panhandle State, and they both were active in the Hilltoppers Senior Citizens Club.
Dad and Mom would transition into a nursing facility in Nebraska late 2018. While Mom passed shortly after, Dad resumed his dedication to public service. He started a men's coffee time and served as president of the resident's association. He was the "self appointed" lobbyist for Employee of the Month, proudly displaying his success rating. Although he always wanted the award to be on merit, his t-shirt made it clear the he "could be bought!"
His Children (GR Maixner, Crystal Petru, Melanie Stone and Seth Maixner) , Grandchildren ( Grey Maixner, Bethany Lancaster, Megan Enders, Marci Petru, Zakary Stone, Levi Stone and Blaze Maixner) and Great grand-children ( Bailey, Lily, Ripley, MJ and Mason) would like to thank the Staff at Belle Terrace for the care and love they showed our father.
For those wishing to honor the memory of Gary, please donate to St Jude's Children's Hospital.