Dr. Donald Robert Maxwell

Dr. Donald Robert Maxwell, devoted husband, father of eight, scientist and scholar, passed peacefully at his home in Ann Arbor on March 16, 2025, two weeks shy of his 96th birthday. A man of both scientific and literary passion, his life was marked by intellectual curiosity, personal discipline, and a deep sense of faith.

Dr. Maxwell was born in Paris on March 30, 1929. He earned a doctorate of Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, England, leading to a distinguished career in scientific research, both in the UK and USA. In 1974 he moved to the USA with his family, settling first in New Jersey before relocating to Michigan in 1977 where he made his home for nearly five decades. He served as Senior Vice President for Preclinical Research and Development at Warner Lambert/Parke-Davis, where his contributions to the field left a lasting impact.

In his 40s, he developed a passion for running, completing both the Detroit and New York City Marathons. An avid seaman from a young age, Dr Maxwell enjoyed sailing and found both joy and competition racing Sunfish sailboats in New Jersey and Michigan.

After his retirement in 1991, Dr. Maxwell pursued his passion for the humanities, earning a second doctorate, in French Literature from the University of Michigan. He then served there as a Visiting Assistant Professor and Lecturer in French, sharing his love of language and literature with his students.

A dedicated Catholic, Dr. Maxwell found solace and community in his faith, attending Mass regularly, especially following the passing of his beloved wife, Catherine Maxwell (neé Billon), in 2005. In his later years, he cherished shared meals and fellowship with the Dominican Sisters of Ann Arbor, where he became an ordained Third-Order Dominican.

In addition to numerous scientific publications, Dr. Maxwell was the author of The Abacus and the Rainbow: Bergson, Proust and the Digital-Analogic Opposition and Science and Literature: The Divergent Cultures of Discovery and Creation; as well as two autobiographical works: A Journey from Wartime Europe to Self Discovery and Cambridge to Paris and America. He also wrote a work of historical fiction about the life of Marie Curie entitled A Radiant Affair.

Dr. Maxwell was preceded in death by his wife Catherine (2005) and his youngest son LTC Philip Maxwell (2024). He is survived by his children, Monica Maxwell, London, U.K. Nicholas (Christa) Maxwell, New Glarus WI. Christopher Maxwell, Ypsilanti, MI. Caroline Maxwell, Greensboro, NC. Denis (Emilie) Maxwell, London, Ont. Dominic Maxwell, Cambridge, MA. Marie-Claire (Alan) Maxwell, Kalamazoo, MI. and his Grandchildren: Madeleine, Luke, Hannah, Timothy, Rebecca, Alexis, Wesley and Louis.

Visitation will be held at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 south 4th avenue Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, on March 27 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be held on March 28 at 11:00 AM at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, with burial following at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery.

Dr. Maxwell’s life was one of dedication—of education and knowledge, family and faith. He will be remembered for his intellect, sharp wit, unwavering discipline, and the warmth he brought to those around him.