Roll Call Tribute

Jerry L. Maxwell, Col. USAF (Ret) 

February 13, 1952 - December 12, 2024 

When I was 8 years old, I found a birthday card my dad had written for my mom that said, “All my love, Jerry.” I was so young that I didn’t understand this was a common way to sign a card. I was distraught that my dad secretly gave all of his love to my mom and left none for me, his one and only child, his daughter, Kelly. My dad laughed and flashed his reassuring and kind-hearted smile, explaining that in everything one does, they should give it their all, and there was plenty of love to go around, even though he loved my mom with his all.

In the last few days when Dad knew he was reaching the end, he spoke to everyone about Mom, Diane Maxwell, who he is survived by after 51 years of marriage. He said he could be free to pass away only when he knew she would be taken care of by family and friends. He said there was no one like her, that she was the ultimate role model. He said things about her that were said about him by all the friends and family who came to say their goodbyes, who sent texts and emails and made FaceTime calls. Together they were the ultimate duo, brightening everyone’s day everywhere they went since their teenage years.

Jerry Maxwell was born February 13, 1952, in the small town of Crockett, Texas. At the age of four he and his family moved to Marlin, Texas where he gave his all to teasing his surviving little sister, Gail Haak, stepping on her bell-bottoms in the mornings before school. He gave his all emulating the example of his loving parents Hedrick and Billie Maxwell, as well as his grandparents, Hedrick and Martha Maxwell and Alvin "Hy" and Willie Mae "Bill" Heflin, who he has now joined in Heaven. He gave his all when he was told as a student that he wasn’t college material. After graduating from Marlin High School in 1970, he not only succeeded as an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) cadet at Texas A&M University, but he also soared!!!

Following his graduation and commissioning in 1974, he went to pilot training in Del Rio, Texas and eventually became a B-52 pilot, flying over 4,800 hours. He was a combat flight instructor, an FTU squadron commander as well as a deputy operations group commander, a leader, trusted friend, and a calm and steady force. He rose to the rank of Colonel before embarking on his dream job as the commander of the AFROTC at Texas A&M University and wrapped up his working years at Texas A&M University Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). He collected lifelong friends from both careers, his high school years and college years, who were with him until the end.

After retirement he gave his all to his love of photography, taking care of aging family members including his late father-in-law Jesse Gistinger and late uncle and aunt Ben and Mayme Garrett, making memories with his wife, Diane, his sister, Gail/Terry Haak, his mother-in-law, Jeanette Gistinger, and all of Diane’s siblings and spouses (Ronnie Gistinger, Jessica/Alvin Chane, Craig/Leigh Gistinger, Gina/Jim Rokas), generously supporting the next generation of nephews and nieces, drinking a gin and tonic now and then, playing golf, and spending time with friends at Pebble Creek. He loved music, his iPad, setting up all of the latest apps and home enhancing technology on his phone. His grandson, Tristan, will have to help his Gigi keep up with all of that now! Pawpaw is also survived by his grandsons, Uriah and Tristan, who got 15 and 12 amazing years with him learning life lessons of making the most of every day, being generous and not worrying about what you can’t control, being a team player and having a sense of humor.

Dad is remembered as a man without flaws, a kind and humble soul and mostly as a hero with a GREAT sense of humor. He gave his all to making people laugh and being the best friend they have ever had. My dad bought season basketball tickets for him and my mom to Aggie games. My parents went on annual vacations with multiple groups of friends. This wonderful man filled his computer with beautiful pictures he had taken of God’s gifts of nature, had a perfect credit score, an exceptional driving record, never having received a single speeding ticket, wore the most fun loving beach shirts on his trips to Mexico, decorated his walls with pictures of American flags, eagles, and other keepsakes from his journey, and filled his closet with maroon, like all good Aggies do. What a dad!

Dad even gave it his all when he was told that the end was near by his amazing doctor, Dr. Ali Khawaja, who gave him exceptional and compassionate care until his final moments at Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas. Never did he complain, during those 16 days at the hospital. Dad was so thankful to those who traveled, wanting to see his sweet and friendly face just one more time. He poured out his appreciation for his doctors and nurses from both Memorial Hermann and Baylor Scott and White in College Station, even when he was almost too weak to talk and left a lasting impression on everyone who cared for him, like he did with those he taught, led, and loved throughout his life. On his deathbed, when I asked him what advice he would leave behind he said, “Have a little empathy for others. Try to make everybody’s day better. Give a little smile. It goes a long way.”

If you are reading this tribute to my dad, give my mom all your love - it was his final request.

Salute Colonel Jerry L. Maxwell! Fly high and soar with the eagles! I love you, Dad.

Jerry truly was an American hero; during his stellar career as a leader to many, a mentor and a confidant, his accomplishments were innumerable. Some of his proudest were when he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jeremy Haak, Kevin Haak, Daniel Haak, Jason Chane, Michael Chane, Austin Rokas, Matt Behrndt, and Kolby Griffin.

In honor of Jerry, consider making a donation to Jerry's favorite charity, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or a charity of your choice and "make somebody's day better."