CMDR William Robert Maxwell

COLUMBIA - CDR W. Robert Maxwell USNR (RET) passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, March 30, 2016. He was predeceased by his parents, William McKinley Maxwell and Laura Engels Maxwell; his beloved wife of 63 years, Marjorie Saulpaw Maxwell; sister, Janet Gullickson; and grandson, William Robert Maxwell II. He is survived by his son, Thomas McKinley Maxwell (Joan Beckham); daughter, Melissa Schiavone (Andrew); grandchildren, Edward Maxwell, Laura Hilsen (Scott), Drew Schiavone and Chandler Schiavone. Bob was born July 1, 1919 in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, grew up in Wausau, graduated from Wausau High School in 1937 and employed by Employers Mutual of Wausau. He enrolled in the University of Wisconsin in 1938. When the war with Japan broke out, he entered the Navy’s V-5 flight program and was sworn in on April 18, 1941. He completed the school year and on July 1, 1941 and along with thirty other University of Wisconsin students known as “The Flying Badgers” reported for flight training at Glenview, Illinois. After training at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Bob went on the Navy’s Fighter Finishing School at Opa-Locka, Florida and earned his Navy Wings of Gold and Ensign’s commission on May 12th, 1942. After completing his combat tour with VF-51, he was assigned to the Advance Fighter Training Base at Daytona Beach, Florida as a fighter instructor. It was there that he met his future wife, Marjorie Louise Saulpaw. They were married August 12, 1945, two days before the war with Japan ended. After the war Bob returned to the University of Wisconsin receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration January 18, 1947. In February, he was sent to the Atlanta as Branch Claims Manager covering Georgia, Florida and Alabama for Employers Mutual of Wausau. He transferred into sales and was sent to Columbia, SC on February 1, 1950. In 1983, after a long and successful sales career he retired from the Wausau Insurance Company as one of their top producers, known throughout the insurance industry as “The Wizard of Wausau.” Bob was a member of the Forest Lake Country Club, Saint Martin’s- in- the- Fields Episcopal Church, The Executive Club, The Columbia Navy League, The American Association of Fighter Aces, The Columbia History Club, The Sertoma Club and Past President of the Columbia Touchdown Club. In 2015, Bob received The Congressional Gold Medal honoring all American Fighter Aces. Bob enjoyed the annual family vacations at Pawley’s Island and fishing in the creek and off of the pier. He was an avid golfer and member of the Palmer Festival. A loyal Gamecock Fan, Bob attended all home games and was a member of the Gamecock Club for over 65 consecutive years. A visitation will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2016. Services will be held Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Martin’s -in –the- Fields Episcopal Church, 5220 Clemson Avenue, Columbia with interment in the Memorial Gardens after the service. Following internment, the family will receive friends at the residence. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, The National Medal of Honor Museum, or Saint Martin’s- in- the- Fields Episcopal Church.