Curtis Lile Maxwell, Jr was born July 11, 1924 in Cairo, Oklahoma and finished his race well on Tuesday September 13, 2016 surrounded by his family and wife Anne of 69 years.

Curtis was a long time resident of Grant County.

After graduation from high school he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 where he served in the Fifth Marine Division as an expert in the Signal Co. working with Code Talkers on the island of Iwo Jima in World War II. After completing his time in the Marines, Curtis was discharged.

On June 17, 1947 he married his lifelong sweetheart, Anne Pennington and together they established several businesses in Silver City, as well as running a cattle ranch in Reserve, NM.

He served one term as a New Mexico State Representative for Catron County, but he was best known as the owner of the Maxwell House Department Store which opened in 1965.

Curtis's passion were; first and foremost God, family, friendships, basketball, hunting, fishing, ranching and horses.

In his life he lived and loved well. He was the kind of person that saw value in every living being. When he spoke to you, he saw you. In his presence you knew you were valued and loved. Curtis was generous to countless individuals and families. He was a true and loving father to many beyond his own family.

Curtis is survived by his wife Anne Pennington Maxwell of 69 years; three sons, David (Cathy) of Silver City, Paul Maxwell of Tucson, AZ and Steve Maxwell of Silver City; one daughter Missy Maxwell Worton (Mark) of Franklin TN; 12 grandchildren, Shannon (Casey), Gabriel, Rebecca (Chris), Michael (Adriana), Zach (Ashlee), Ian (Aimee), Holly, Chloe, Matthew Curtis, Mckenzie, Shewit and Favor; Ten great grandchildren, Belinda, Brandon (Ashley), Whitney, Amaziah, Kiera, Zephan, Xander, Ezra, Kendall and Noah; three great-great grandchildren, Nevaeh, Owen and David Layne. Curtis became the father figure to his nephews Ben and Lyn Wilson as well as Yelena Shadrina Ouderkirk and Katia Tyurina-Cordova (deceased) who moved from Russia to play basketball at WNMU.

A visitation will be held on Monday September 19, 2016 from 5 pm -7 pm at Baca's Funeral Chapels. The Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 9 am at Harvest Christian Fellowship followed by the concluding services and interment at 11 am at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors.

Serving as pallbearers will be Gabriel, Michael, Zach, Ian Maxwell, Brandon Chitwood, Matthew Curtis, Shewit Worton and Benji Salaiz.

Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.Exclusive provider for "Veterans &Family Memorial Care". To sign the online guest book or to send a card, please visit our website at www.bacasfuneralchapels.com.

Hwy 180 East on Delk Dr., Silver City, NM 88062 - 575-388-2334