Robert "Chip" Allen Maxwell Jr.

Chip passed away peacefully at his home in San Benito, Texas, at the age of 68.

In November 1976, Chip enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a Boatswain’s Mate aboard the USS Independence. After 12 years of active-duty service, he was honorably discharged in 1989 at the rank of Petty Officer First Class (E-6). His years at sea only deepened his love for the water and fishing, and over the years, he became affectionately known to many as “Captain Chip.”

Chip, as everyone knew him, was an avid hunter and an incredible fisherman. If he wasn’t up in a tree blind hunting his next deer, you could find him out on the bay doing what he loved most—keeping his lines tight.

Everyone Chip met seemed to leave with an invitation to go fishing or hunting with him. He could sit for hours telling stories of his adventures, and he took countless friends and family members on overnight fishing trips in the bay, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Chip was especially proud of his hunting memories. Over the years, he collected hundreds of deer mounts, and he could look at every single one and tell you exactly where it was taken and the story behind it.

For Chip, hunting and fishing were about so much more than what he caught or brought home. They were his way of spending time with the people he loved, sharing stories, teaching others, and making memories. Those fortunate enough to have shared a boat, a hunting trip, or simply a good story with Chip will carry those memories with them forever.

And if Chip wasn’t in a deer stand or out on the bay, there was a good chance you could find him on the dance floor. Chip was also an award-winning two-stepper who loved to dance. On Saturday nights, you could find him and his wife dancing the night away at Dance Time in Texas, enjoying the life they built together. At home, it wasn’t unusual to hear Hank Williams Jr. or George Jones blasting from the record player. Whether he had a fishing rod in his hand, was sitting in a deer stand, or was out on the dance floor,

Chip knew how to enjoy life.

Chip’s door was always open. Whether someone needed a warm plate of food, a peaceful place to sleep for the night, or simply someone to sit with and talk to, Chip was there. He never turned away a friend in need because, to Chip, his friends weren’t just friends—they were family. His home was a place where everyone was welcome, and his generosity, loyalty, and kind heart touched more lives than he probably ever realized.

More than anything, Chip loved his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his pride, his joy, and truly his world. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for them, and some of his greatest happiness came simply from having his family near him.

Chip also made sure to pass down his lifelong love of the water to his great-grandchildren. He taught each of them how to swim, sharing with them something that had brought him so much happiness throughout his life. Those moments in the water with their Papa became more than just swimming lessons—they became special memories and a piece of him that they will carry with them forever.

Each member of his family held a special place in his heart, but the bonds he shared with Halie, April, and Andrew were something extraordinary. They were among the greatest loves of his life. They were his world, and he was theirs. The love, guidance, memories, and special bond they shared with Chip will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Allen Maxwell Sr. and Sally Walden; his beloved in-laws, Alfred “Pop” Mon and Carol “Ma” Mon; and his sister and brother-in-law, Pamela and Austin Carter.

Chip is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Valerie Ann Mon Maxwell.

He is also survived by his sons, Bruce Edward Maxwell, Michael Brian Maxwell (Ana Garza), and Andrew Salazar; and his daughters, Rebecca Maxwell Reyes, April Garcia (Alex Meza), and Maria Angie Garcia (Angel Mendez).

He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Halie Kalia Reyes; Bruce Maxwell Jr.; Rylan Kersh; Michael Maxwell Jr.; and Alondra Maxwell; as well as his great-grandchildren, Abigail, Adilynn, Anakin, Jerzi, and Melene.

He is also survived by his bonus son and fishing partner, Noe Zavala (Rosemary), with whom he shared a special bond and countless cherished memories on and off the water.

Always by his side was his beloved dog and faithful companion, Bella, who rarely left his side and held a very special place in his heart.

Chip is also survived by his siblings in New York, Dale, Daryl, and Deanna, along with many nieces and nephews and countless friends whom he considered family.

Chip leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, dancing, hunting trips, tight fishing lines, and memories that will continue to be told for generations. His boat may be still and his tree stand may be empty, but the stories of Captain Chip will live on in every person fortunate enough to have called him family or friend.

In a final and deeply personal tribute to Captain Chip, his family and friends will return him to the waters of the bay that he loved so dearly. A burial at sea will be held at a later date, surrounded by those who knew him, loved him, and shared in the many memories that made his life so special. It will be a fitting farewell to a man whose heart was always at home on the water.