George Robert Maxey, 88, of Galesburg, died at 9:10 a.m. Thursday, September 19, 2019 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
George was born July 18, 1931 in Monmouth, the son of Robert Theodore and Eva Mare (Hennenfent) Maxey. He married Mary Ann Quigley on October 27, 1956 at Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg. She survives, as do one son, George Philip (Virginia Ann) Maxey of Waterloo; two daughters, Jane (Peter) Officer of Hanover, NH and Ann Gallagher (Bradley) Hix of Galesburg; and three sisters, Patricia Bowen of Chattanooga, TN, Roberta Johnson of Milan, and Cecelia (James) Mudd of Cedar Falls, IA. Also surviving is his beloved seven grandchildren, Phillip (Abby) Officer, Daniel (Lindsey) Officer, John (Laura) Officer, Peter (Krista) Officer, Emily (Tyler) Murphy, Claire Maxey, and Tiffany Maxey; and his four great grandchildren, Lily and Isla Officer and Henry and Rowan Officer.
George served in the US Air Force. He worked many years for the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller. George was the only Tower Chief to work in the Galesburg Airport tower, both opening and closing tower operations. After retirement, he went on to a second career as a realtor, working for Mel Foster in Galesburg. He could also be described as a hobby farmer. He spent many years farming near their home. He also loved all types of animals. He raised many different farm animals, from cattle to Alpacas. George also raised AKC Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers for 34 years, also breeding Standard Bred Race Horses for many years and belonged to the Illinois Standard Bred Race Horses Association. George served on the Henderson Township Board for 19 years. He belonged to Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Father J.O. Hunt Council 556, and the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285.
George will be long remembered as a family man and was especially proud of his grandchildren. He held a deep faith, firm morals, and an incredible work ethic. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. The rosary will be prayed at 8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, with Rev. William T. Miller officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society or to the American Alzheimer’s Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
