Robert Lee Maxwell, age 80, a longtime resident of Elgin, IL, entered into Eternal Rest on February 4, 2024, surrounded by his close family. Known as “Pratt” by many family and friends, Robert was born September 16, 1943 in Dumas, AR to his loving parents, Alice (née Thompson) and Robert Benjamin Maxwell, and he spent his formative years between Little Rock, AR and Hayti, MO. He was a man of strong and unwavering faith, who gave his life to the Lord at a young age.

Upon arriving to Elgin, IL, Robert worked for the Elgin Steel Casket Company, and later retired as a machinist from the Elgin Corrugated Box. Known as “Bob by his coworkers, he was recognized for his strong work ethic.

In his spare time, Robert enjoyed spending time with family He especially enjoyed barbecuing and cook-outs, fishing, watching football and UFO documentaries, being outdoors in nature, and listening to his favorite music, Motown.

Robert had the natural charisma to make friends wherever he went. He had an infectious laugh, and was a great storyteller – some factual and others not so factual, but all that were captivating and could capture the imagination.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Leon (Kathy) Maxwell, William “Bill” Maxwell, Clifton “Dino” Maxwell, Vernon “San” Maxwell, James “Jay” Maxwell, Alice “Jean” Harnett, Ozell Jackson, and twin brother Arthur “Lit” Maxwell.

He is survived by his son, Anthony Oliver with Helen Davis of Hayti, MO; daughters, Sabrina (Macio) Horde and Tina Elam with Evelyn Elam of Elgin, IL; and daughters, Jennifer (Terrell) Henderson, Jessica Maxwell, and Jamie (Demitri) Maxwell with current wife and dearest friend, Brenda (née Taylor) Maxwell; grandchildren, Peyton and Terrence Henderson, Mark, Terrence, Brandon, and Mariah Lee, Heaven, Isaiah, and Crystal Stokes, Jamiah Harrison, Tommy Duncan, Demitri III and Johan Isabell, Anthony Jr., Cameron Oliver, and Gwen Huddleston; and siblings, Annie (Pete) West of Hayti, MO, Robert B. (Ann) Maxwell and Kumkale Maxwell of Little Rock, AR. In addition, he leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family sincerely thanks you for your support, thoughts, prayers, and kindness during this difficult time.

Visitation will be 1:00pm until funeral service at 4:00pm, Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

To access the funeral service remotely, loved ones are encouraged to log on via Zoom (Meeting ID: 860 7933 5774, Password: 421985).

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Robert’s family to help with medical and funeral expenses.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.