David Bruce Maxton

	Reverend David Bruce Maxton, 83, of 404 Ramble Road, Waverly, Ohio, died on Wednesday, October 4, 2000 after a brief stay at the Bristol Village Convalescent Center.  Reverend Maxton was born in DuQuoin on June 2, 1917.  he was the son of Reverend William McAra Maxton of Crief, Scotland and Helen Burns Watson of Carterville.  Reverend Maxton was predeceased by four older brothers, James Clyde, John and William and two older sisters, Margaret Bridenstine and Catherine Barnett, all of the Southern Illinois region.
	Reverend Maxton is survived by his wife, Ila Reuter of Dixon; his daughter, Dr. Abbi (Ruth Abigail) Maxton of Arlington, Mass.; his sister-in-law, Marguerite (Mrs. William Maxton); his niece, Mrs. Ruth Becker Pierson and many loved nieces, nephews and other family members.
	After graduating from DuQuoin High School, Reverend Maxton attended the Milikin and Monmouth Colleges and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1940.  he then spent a year working for the State of Illinois in the Auditors Department.
	In 1941, Reverend Maxton entered McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago and graduated in the Spring of 1944.  The day following graduation, he was married to his classmate, Ila Reuter, with whom he was to share the next 56 years.
	During the 40 years of his ministry, Reverend Maxton was the beloved pastor of three Presbyterian churches, all in Illinois.  His first call was to Jerseyville where he served in the parish for six years.  He was then called to serve in Sterling where he ministered for eight years.  Reverend Maxtons last call was to Granite City where he served for 25 years.
	During his many years of ministering in the community, Reverend Maxton held several offices and positions.  He was Chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee for eight years, served on the Ecumenical Missions Board, assisted with Synod Schools, was a member of the Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery and directed youth camps.  he was instrumental in starting the Heifer Project and served on the radio pulpit.  Reverend Maxton was also a member of Rotary International and the Masonic Lodge.  In 1961, he was honored with a Doctor of Divinity degree from Blackburn College in Carlinville.
	In 1982, Reverend Maxton and his wife moved to the Bristol Village Retirement Center in Waverly, Ohio.  After several years of good health, Reverend Maxton was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease.  Although his faith remained strong, the battle with this illness was a difficult and painful one.  Reverend Maxtons cheerful and invigorating voice, his warmth and friendliness will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
	A memorial service was held Sunday, November 5, 2000 at 2:30 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church, DuQuoin, where he was raised and Ordained into his ministry.  Services were conducted by Rev. Joseph VanRoekel.
	Memorials may be made to The Deacons Fund and sent to the church.
