Leland Maxwell

SIKESTON -- Leland Robert Maxwell, 92, passed away at Missouri Delta Medical Center at 7:50 p.m. Oct. 29, 2006.

Born on April 29, 1914, in Bertrand, he was the son of the late Walter and Nettie Holland Maxwell. Farming in the Dogwood area for many years, Leland later worked as a real estate developer and investor. Through his life he served in many areas including the Township Committee for Mississippi County Mo., the Mississippi County ASC Committee, and was instrumental in the reorganization of perpetual care for the Dogwood Cemetery.

After relocating to Mississippi in 1967, he returned to the area in 1986, joining the First United Methodist Church of Sikeston. Always demonstrating a supreme love of God and family, he became a very active member of the congregation.

On Nov. 18, 1939, he married Ruth Ellen Stancil, who survives of the home.

Other survivors include: two sons and daughters-in-law, Bob and Ruthann Maxwell of East Prairie and Bill and Susan Maxwell of Hot Springs, Ark. Grandchildren surviving are: Bill Maxwell of Fayetteville, Ark., Leanne Grant of Sikeston and Kelly Crabtree of Starkville, Miss. Four great-grandchildren also survive. One sister, Edna Heath of Dogwood survives.

Two brothers and sisters preceded him in death: his twin brother, Harland Maxwell and Ray Maxwell; and Norma Hurley and Blanche Blackman.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. Geoff Posegate of the First United Methodist Church and the Rev. Leland Butler, former pastor of Dogwood Methodist Church, will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Dogwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Randy Grant, Keith Maxwell, Jeff Johnson, Kevin Blanton, Randy Bohannon and Billy Maxwell.

Honorary pallbearers will be: John A. Johnson, Harold Jones, Pat Jones, Pete Ponder, Maurice Stauffer, Buddy Russell, Jerry Maxwell, Butch McHaney and Harold Norton.

Paid obituary