Robert "Tom" Thomas Maxwell

Cadillac - Robert Thomas Maxwell, age 92, of Cadillac, entered into his eternal rest on September 7th 2025 at home with family by his side.

Tom, an only child, was born on April 13 to Robert and Hazel Maxwell in 1933 in Cadillac. His early jobs, which he held down while in school, included working at the local YMCA, running a paper route, and working in a furniture store. In 1951, he graduated from Cadillac High School and went on to work for the state highway department for over 30 years. There wasn’t a road in this state he didn’t know. His grandkids are pretty sure alleys too. 

After some chasing of his best friend's sister he finally was able to catch his favorite redhead and on December 24th 1952, Tom married the love of his life JoAnn Stevens. Tom and JoAnn went on to have four children who were as Tom said “ the best thing he had ever done.” They enjoyed 48 years of marriage. He later earned the title of the "best papa" nicknaming all of his grandchildren and he loved his title of papa. Tom was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He had a knack for telling stories and often told stories about sports, particularly basketball. Coach Tom was one of the original CASA board members and was loyal to the mission of why CASA was created to give all kids a chance to play and develop. He spent over 30 years with CASA and loved every moment. Tom coached numerous kids including his children and grandchildren. If you ever were coached by Tom he had a story about you, and his family probably heard it numerous times. He loved watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports.  

Another passion of Tom’s was fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis  which was very close to his heart as his grandson Dale passed from the disease in 1998.  He led the local Cystic fibrosis foundation, which featured the CF Walk  “Walk For A Cure”.  He spent many years knocking on doors collecting donations for the foundation and he later went on to help start The CF 65 Roses Dinner Dance fundraiser putting in countless hours. Tom had a knack for gardening and could often be seen in his short-shorts, knee high socks, and his “compost happens” hat tilling and working in the garden trying to grow the perfect tomato and perfect the art of composting. There wasn’t a person they didn’t welcome into the home. Tom and JoAnn always had a pot of coffee going and cookies in the cupboard and the door was always open. Many stories were shared around the bar and then later the table. Tom loved the company and was always willing to lend an ear or help in any way. We think he donated to every organization that asked him. 

Tom spent his final 8 years of life residing with his son, Rob and daughter-in-law Julia spending lots of quality time together. They enjoyed putting puzzles together, watching the Tigers, Pistons, and enjoying the gardens around the house.  He spent many hours telling them basketball stories and work stories sometimes for hours into the night. 

He is survived by his children, Rob and Julia Maxwell, Linda and Randy Bartlett, and Laurie and Mark McKinley; grandchildren, Jennifer and Matt Logan, Tara Maxwell, Danielle and Leigh Gurden, Ryan and Jacki Olson, Erika and Jake Densley, Ellen Maxwell, Evan and Olivia Bartlett, and Jared and Elizabeth Bartlett; great-grandchildren, Hailey, Kayla, Brayden, Tristan , Lakai, Linkin, Lennix, Kemper, Harper and Landon;  numerous nieces and nephews, whom he adored; as well as other loving family members and friends.  Tom was preceded by his parents; his wife, JoAnn; his son, Thomas; grandson, Dale Maxwell; and brothers-in-law, Chuck and Dale Stevens. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 12th from 4pm until 7pm at Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.  Funeral services will follow Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the United Methodist Church beginning at 1pm with visitation one hour prior.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Hospice, or The Cadillac United Methodist Church.  Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com   The family is being served by the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.  

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