Kenneth Michael Maxwell
December 3, 1940 - January 15, 2016 
Born in Detroit, Michigan 
Resided in Unicoi, TN

Kenneth Michael Maxwell was born on December 3, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan to Ewin and Loraine (Donaghue). He grew up in Detroit, was an Eagle Scout and played football at Redford High School in Detroit, where he graduated in 1959 and went on to Ferris State University. 

Ken was the husband to Charlotte Barnett for 13 years and father of Jennifer (Eric) Rass and Michelle (Lewis Hunt) Gersin. Brother of Richard (Nancy). He was a beloved Papa to Lucy, Ethan, Hannah and Rocco and took great pride in having four grandchildren.

Sadly on January 15, 2016, Ken passed away peacefully in Johnson City, Tennessee after several complications related from diabetes. In the months leading to his death, he was able to spend time with his two daughters and truly cherished the time they had together. 

Ken lived in Novi, Michigan; Grand Blanc, Michigan and moved to Tennessee in 1993 where he lived in Livingston. From there he moved to Boone, North Carolina and met Charlotte in Bakersville, North Carolina. He spent the last ten years in Unicoi, Tennessee. 

Ken lived life to the fullest and had a very charismatic personality. He had a large presence and loved entertaining his family and friends. He enjoyed working in his backyards, creating beautiful landscapes at all of his homes. 

A memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, January 19. Family will receive friends from 3:00-8:00pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward (btwn 13-14 Mile), Royal Oak. Another memorial will be held in the coming weeks in Unicoi, Tennessee.

Ken hated that fact that he and his grandson Ethan share the common thread of diabetes, although different types, Ken with Type 2 and Ethan with Type 1, they shared that unfortunate bond. He was very proud at the awareness Ethan has created for Type 1 diabetes therefore, memorial tributes can be made to JDRF Metro Detroit Chapter www.jdrf.org.