William Maddux

Benjamin Funeral Service - Nowata, Oklahoma - 918-273-2700......................... Memorial services for William Eugene Maddux are 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Jeffrey Rickman officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Benjamin Funeral Service. William Eugene Maddux, who was lovingly called Bill, Dad, Papa and W.E. by those who knew and loved him, passed away in the early morning of September 16, 2017. Bill was born on May 4, 1928 in Marche, Arkansas to Kenneth Eugene and Nola (Willis) Maddux. Truly a life unmatched by many, which makes this writing difficult. At age 15 Bill decided to remain in Nowata when his parents made a job related move to Arkansas. While living on his own in a boarding house, Bill worked at the local creamery, graduating from Nowata High School in 1946 while also serving as Senior Class President. On May 30th, 1946 Bill married Martha Ann Chappell. There began a love affair lasting 67 years. Martha Ann would be Bill's confidant, partner and wise counselor as the two worked jobs while Bill completed his education, earning a degree in History as well as a Juris Doctorate from The University of Oklahoma. Upon graduating from law school at OU, Bill served in the US Army as a JAG officer in the 44th Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas. Bill reached the rank of Captain as a lawyer in the JAG Core. After their time in the Army, Bill and Martha Ann returned to Nowata where they would raise their family and be blessed with many lifelong friendships. Bill spent many years in private law practice with his father-in-law, Judge Glenn H. Chappell in the firm known as Chappell and Maddux. W.E. Maddux as he was known professionally, practiced law until the very end which would mean over 60 years. He made helping people the number one priority of his life. Bill Maddux loved life and lived it well. He loved to laugh. We all laughed a lot, sometimes at him but always with him. How we will miss those times. He loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved his church, he loved his profession, he loved his town, state and country and of course he loved his Sooners. Bill also had many accomplishments and served many organizations which are too numerous to mention; however, a few are: Member of the Nowata First United Methodist Church Twice named Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year Inducted into the Nowata High School Sports Hall of Fame in January of this year Two periods as City Attorney for Nowata Sunday school teacher at the Nowata United Methodist Church for more than 50 years. He served on the Nowata School Board when his boys were in school and again when his grandsons were in school. Arvest Bank board member Jane Phillips Nowata Hospital board member Richardson Foundation board member Boys and Girls Club board member Press box broadcaster for Nowata High School football Nowata Municipal Judge In addition to these he was proud to donate over 15 gallons of blood, only stopping when they would no longer allow him to donate. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Martha Ann, his parents, Kenneth and Nola, and a brother Raymond. He is survived by two sons, Bill and his wife Rennie of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Mark and his wife Tammy of Nowata. He is also survived by four very special grandchildren, Glenn of Charleston, South Carolina, Will of Oklahoma City, OK, Nina a recent graduate of the University of Georgia and now residing in Boston, Massachusetts and Chappell a sophomore at Auburn University. He is survived by brothers Tom and his wife Laura, Don and his wife Joan, Sister-in-law Glenna Maddux and many nieces and nephews. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com. Memorials in Bill's name may be sent to the First United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 129 Nowata, Oklahoma 74048.

Service Details

Saturday, September 23rd, 2017 11:00am, First United Methodist Church Nowata