OBITUAR

Kent Maxwell

December 29, 1938-March 1, 2021

Kent Maxwell of Fort Wayne, Ind., and previously from Huntington, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus, his personal Lord and Savior, on March 1, surrounded by his family. Kent was a loving and devoted husband, father, pastor and a dear friend to many. He was passionate about living life fully and sharing his love for Jesus with others. Spending time with family and friends brought him the most enjoyment, including return visits to Washington and Oregon, which he fondly referred to as "God's country."

Kent and his identical twin (Keith) were born on December 29, 1938, in Dayton, Wash., to John and Melissa (Martin) Maxwell. He graduated from Dayton High School in 1957, and then attended Huntington College (now University) where he graduated in 1961 with a B.A. degree. Kent, Keith and their "Mighty-Six" college cohorts, brought a double dose of shenanigans and laughter wherever they went.

Kent also completed a Master of Divinity in 1964 from Huntington College Theological Seminary, followed by a Doctor of Ministry in 1980 from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL. He later completed a Master of Counseling degree from Liberty University.

Kent began his full-time ministry in Lafayette, Ind., where he pastored for 14 years at Crestview United Brethren Church. He then taught for four years at Winebrenner Theological Seminary, in Findlay, O. In 1982 he moved to Huntington where he pastored at College Park United Brethren Church. In 1989, he established Maxwell Counseling Service in Huntington as an LMHC/LCSW therapist until his retirement in 2002. After retiring, he spent three years in Kingston, Jamaica, as head of the Counseling Psychology Dept. at the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology. Over the years, Kent also pastored several United Brethren and United Methodist churches part-time, including in North Manchester, Roanoke, Huntington and in Ohio. Kent concluded his ministry as Chaplain at Heritage Pointe of Ft. Wayne, where he and his wife resided.

At various times he served on the Huntington County Council, with the Huntington County United Economic Development, with Habitat for Humanity, and as President of Christian Endeavor International.

His survivors include his wife and ministry partner of 57 years, Carol (Gates) Maxwell, daughter Kim (Steve) Fish of Ft. Wayne, son Shawn Maxwell of Wheaton, IL, and daughter Carmen (Aaron) Doades of Columbus, IN, six grandchildren Joshua & Cara Maxwell, Alyssa and Johonna Fish, and Antonio and Lucia Doades. Preceding him in death were his sisters Margery Fay Maxwell, Betty Ransom and Shirley Streby, and his brothers Jack & Keith Maxwell.

In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting preferred memorials made in memory of Kent to Huntington University, United Brethren Global Ministries, or World Christian Endeavor Union. Memorials may be directed to the funeral home staff.

A Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Community Church, 12222 W. US-24 Fort Wayne, IN, with memorial visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior the service. Arrangements entrusted to D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Funeral Home. To join the service virtually, please visit the funeral home Facebook page at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 20. Masks will be required.