Vance Maxwell passed away September 30,2003, doing what he loved, working on his ranch. He was born January 30, 1930, in Stigler, Okla. He and his wife of 56 years moved to Longview, Texas, in 1949 where they began building a successful life, family and career. The entire focus of his life was his family. He was a loving father, devoted husband and the best grandfather in the whole world. To his family and many others, he was affectionately called "Big Daddy."

He was truly a self made man that came from very humble beginnings and through many years of hard work built his own company. He was the owner of Maxwell Dist. Inc. in Longview, Texas. He was an active member and loyal supporter of First Christian Church. He was a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner who supported many of their great efforts. He was a lifetime director of the Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas.

He was a member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders Exhibitors Association, Walking Horse Owner Association and East Texas Walking and Racking Association. He thoroughly enjoyed going to the horse shows and the camaraderie among all the exhibitors. He owned current world champions and reserve world champions: The Buzz, An American Outlaw and Charge Me A Dollar. Over the years he had horses with Don Crum, Mike Civils, Herbert Derickson, Whitey Whitehead, and Sammy Day.

Vance Maxwell will always be remembered for how he lived life. He was truly a man that enjoyed every moment of life and what it had to offer. He very quietly cared for many people and truly had a passion and sympathy for those less fortunate. His love of the outdoors was lived out through his ranching operation. He loved working with horses and was well respected and loved by those in that industry. He very quietly and diligently served his Lord through his many efforts of giving so generously.

"Big Daddy" is survived by a family that will miss him very much; his lifelong mate and friend Dot Maxwell; a son, Mike Maxwell, and his wife, Lynda Maxwell; a daughter, Kelly Meazell, and her husband, Michael Meazell; grandchildren Blake Cammack, Brittney Cammack, Brandon Maxwell, Kady Maxwell and Dylan Maxwell; a sister, Juanita Dubose of Longview,Texas; and a brother, Gordon Maxwell of Stigler, Okla.

Maxwell was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Ruby Maxwell, and a brother, Roger Maxwell.

A memorial service was held Friday, October 3, 2003, at The First Christian Church of Longview with Phil Jones officiating.

Memorials can be made to First Christian Church of Longview or Chalk Hill Community Church Building Fund, PO Box 1588, Longview, TX 75606.