Leslie Eugene Maxedon, born in Sullivan, Illinois, passed away Saturday January 10, 2026 at the age of 94. His given name was Leslie, but he was Gene to his family. A funeral service will be Saturday January 24 at 11:30 at the First Congregational Church of LaSalle. Pastor Lee Iseley will officiate. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Spring Valley. Full military rites will be accorded by the LaSalle / Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group. Visitation will be Saturday in the church from 9:30 until the time of services.
He was predeceased by his parents, Herman Marshall and Lola Ione Maxedon, his brother Allen Maxedon, his son in law, Stanley Pearson, brother-in-law Tim King, beloved wife, Carmen (Negron) Maxedon and second wife, Doris (Stillwell) Maxedon.
He is survived by his children, John (Claudia) Maxedon, Karen Pearson, and George (Lori) Maxedon; his siblings, Lynn (Ruth) Maxedon, Diane King, sister-in-law Jean Maxedon; his grandchildren Jennifer, John, Jacob P, Nicholas, Megan, Brittany, Erik, Victoria, Jacqueline and Jacob B, many great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.
During World War II, Gene’s family lived in Lovington, IL while his father worked in a machine shop in Decatur, IL. After WWII in 1947, his parents bought a small farm south of Sullivan. Gene went to nearby Schmeiser School, a one-room schoolhouse, then to high school in Sullivan. He then went to the University of Illinois where he earned his Agricultural Engineering degree. He joined the Air Force ROTC program during college. At U of I, he met a young man from Puerto Rico who suggested Gene write to his sister. This led to a letter writing romance, trip to Puerto Rico and eventual proposal. Before Gene got his orders to go to the Air Force base in the Azores, he went to Puerto Rico, married Carmen Lydia on October 9, 1954, then brought her to the family farm, left her there, then went to the Azores while he arranged for her to join him there. Their first son, John, was born in the Azores. When Gene was discharged, he was hired by Illinois Power and continued to work for them for 40 years until his retirement, living first in Decatur, then Galesburg and then in Peru, IL. Carmen passed in 2003 and he later met and married Doris.
Gene particularly enjoyed spending time with his family, bowling and being involved in the Rotary and Catholic War Veterans. He moved to Liberty Village in Peru and cherished time with his daughter, Karen. In September 2025, he moved to his son’s home in Wisconsin where he enjoyed many games of Euchre and Yahtzee until he passed away in January 2026.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family for his favorite charities.
On line condolences may be expressed at www.burgessfh.com
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