Francis McCara Maxton
F.M. (Frank) Maxton passed away on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014. He was 80 years old.
He was born Oct. 14, 1933 in Du Quoin to C. R. (Scotty) and Arline Maxton. He graduated Du Quoin High School in 1952 and then attended Indiana College of Mortuary Science in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1953. He was called to serve his country and served as a medic in the Army from 1954-1956. When he returned, he passed his state boards and received his funeral directors license in 1957. Frank owned and operated Maxton Funeral Home in Du Quoin for 42 years. He was also the Perry County Coroner for 16 years.
He was very active in the community and was named Du Quoin's Citizen of the year in 2005 by the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce and was named Rotarian of the year in 2000. He was a volunteer fireman for the Du Quoin Fire Department for 45 years and upon his retirement, was awarded Du Quoin's highest honor by former Mayor John Rednour when he declared Oct. 27, 2012 as Frank Maxton Appreciation Day. He was a Life Member of the Lions and Rotary International, life member of VFW Post 513 and American Legion Post 647. He was a member of Du Quoin Lions Club, Du Quoin Elks Club, Illinois Funeral Director's Association and the First Presbyterian Church of Du Quoin.
He is survived by his daughters, Lori Ann Williams and Lisa Kay Maxton; his sisters, Luana Maxton and Phyllis Hershey; sister in law, Janet Maxton; grandchildren, Brandon Maxton, Dylan Ruggeri, Shawn Williams and Shelly Powell and lots of extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Scotty and Arline Maxton; his brothers, Jerry Charles and Richard Maxton, and his former wife, Phyllis J. Maxton, and granddaughter, Leah Arline Ruggeri.
Services will be Friday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Du Quoin. Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 25, from 5-8 p.m. also at the church. Interment with military rites will be at Old Du Quoin Cemetery with Lon McPherson officiating. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church at 201 North Washington Street Du Quoin, Illinois 62832 or Du Quoin Fire Department at 30 South Division Street Du Quoin, Illinois 62832.