Gerald Warren Maxwell

Gerald Warren Maxwell, 82, was born on April 18, 1944, in Newberg, Oregon, and died on August 21, 2026. A longtime resident of Portland, Oregon, Gerald was deeply beloved and cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing him—an honest, devoted, faithful man whose steady work ethic and warm humor left a lasting mark on his family and community.

Gerald grew up in the Tigard/Tualatin area and never truly left the place that shaped him. Even as a child, his reliability showed through—he once won a third-grade award for having no days missed during the school year. His family had a farm at the location of the new sewer plant next to Tigard H.S., and one of the family stories still told with a smile is how Jerry used to eat their garlic cloves before school—until the school asked him to stop. At 16, Gerald left the 10th grade to get married and begin building a life centered on family and responsibility. From then on, he met life with determination and a straightforward honesty that people trusted.

Gerald had no military service, but he served his family in the truest sense through years of hard work. He worked at Hervin CO (Petfood) for 22 years, and later worked in armor coating spraying in bed liners, then at Bob's RV as lot manager, and then at Oregon Arrow making after maket helmet liners. He was never fired from a job; instead, he moved forward only because companies closed their doors. That record speaks to the kind of man he was—dependable, steady, and committed. He retired at 62, having earned his rest through decades of faithful effort.

Gerald’s life was rooted in family. His first marriage was to Nola Babcock, and together they had three sons—Mark, Rex, and Lonny—and one daughter, Kim. His second marriage was to Melissa Maxwell. Though they had no children together, Gerald welcomed and loved the family he gained, inheriting two daughters, Amanda & Rebecca. He carried the sorrow of loss as well: three children preceded him in death—Rex, Lonny, and Rebecca. He was also the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, and his care for his family was evident not only in what he did, but in the joy he brought into everyday moments.

In his personal life, Gerald found contentment in simple pleasures and hands-on pursuits. He enjoyed wood working (carving) wittling, camping, gold panning (prospecting), fishing, hunting, tinkering with stuff, playing solitaire on the computer, and checking out second hand stores. His curiosity and practical spirit seemed to follow him everywhere—whether he was shaping something with his hands, searching for a good find, or simply enjoying a quiet game at the computer.

He also valued fellowship and shared interests, participating in the Gold prospectors association (GPA) and the NW miniature pig association (NWMPA). These connections reflected a man who appreciated community and the camaraderie that comes from shared passions.

Those closest to Gerald will remember Jerry’s humor and singing rhymes, and the way laughter seemed to follow him. They will remember Jerry dancing with his grand daughter Layla during Super Bowl, and they will remember his love and care of all his family—given faithfully, expressed sincerely, and felt deeply. We will miss Jerry’s smile and laughter, his rhyming songs and jokes, and the steady presence of a man who meant so much to so many.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to Kaiser Hospice, all the nurses, aides, volunteers, case workers and chaplains, and to all who made Jerry's transition so painless and easier.