Donald Eugene Maxey

Donald Eugene Maxey, 87, of Bluford, passed away Tuesday, 
March 6, 2012, at the home of his daughter in Mt. Vernon. 

Donald was born Friday, Aug. 1, 1924, in a little four-room square 
house about a half mile east of Oakdale Cemetery in Webber Township, 
Jefferson County.  He was the son of Ray and May (McCord) Maxey. He 
married Bertha Geraldine “Jerry” Chambliss on Aug. 21, 1949, in Bluford 
and she preceded him in death on July 19, 1999. 

Mr. Maxey is survived by five children, Donald Ray Maxey and wife B. 
Christine of Bluford, Reva Donnelle McKee and husband D. Michael of 
Mt. Vernon, Charles David Maxey and wife Chrystal D. of Belle Rive, 
Leonard Eugene Maxey and special friend, Stacey Rockett of Bluford and 
AletaStarr Reed and husband Daniel of Mt. Vernon; one sister, VerlaMae 
Steward of Harrison, Mich.; grandchildren, Meredith Fox, Monica Wielt, 
Heath Maxey, Michael McKee, Michelle Warnick, Jason Maxey, Venetta Maxey, 
Lance Maxey, Clinton Maxey, Raquel Maxey and Shawn Rountree; stepgrandchildren, 
Jennifer Reed and Allison Reed; 16 great-grandchildren and two stepgreat-
grandsons. Several nieces and nephews also survive. 

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, 
Nobel Maxey; and three sisters, Jewel Maxey, Pauline Braddock and Lucy Chambliss. 

He was a member of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, having joined 
in the 1940s.  He was a lifetime member of the Masons, Jefferson Lodge 368 AF & AM.  
He was a mechanic and worked for Maxey Motors, Jack McDonald (International Harvester), 
Truck Centers and Walgreens Service Center. Mr. Maxey was a World War II veteran.  
He entered the service in April 1943, and served as a tail gunner with the 445th 
Bombardment Group, 2nd Combat Wing and 2nd Air Division of the 8thAir Force.  
He flew his first mission on D-Day, June 6, 1944.  He flew in a seven man crew on 
ship 922 off the coast of France.  His final mission was on Oct. 7, 1944, in 
Airship 527. 

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Hughey Funeral Home in 
Mt. Vernon with the Rev. Merle Fullerton officiating.  Burial will follow at 
Harmony Cemetery in Jefferson County.  A flag presentation will take place 
at the cemetery conducted by the chaplain of the American Legion Post 141. 
Friends and family of the Donald Eugene Maxey family may call from 5 to 8 p.m. 
Friday at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.  Masonic Rites will be given at 
8 p.m. For those who wish, memorials may be given to Harmony Cemetery and will 
be accepted at the funeral home or mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, 
Mt. Vernon, IL, 62864. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of 
Hughey Funeral Home where you may call (618)244-3348 or visit 
www.hugheyfuneralhome1969.com for further information and to send condolences.


Date: March 7, 2012
Source: Mt. Vernon Register-News
Submitted by: Reva McKee