Howard Ross Maxson

Howard Ross Maxson, 91, of Svensen, died Monday, May 28, 2012, in Astoria.

He was born Dec. 11, 1920, in Camp Lewis, Wash., to Dewey Howard and Jane Mary (Koski) Maxson.

Raised in Svensen, he attended Svensen Grade School and Knappa-Svensen High School.

He joined the U.S. Army and served during World War II in Europe as a cannoneer and on light artillery.

On Feb. 16, 1946, he married Vera Christine Harris of Arkansas. She preceded him in death March 15, 2000.

Mr. Maxson worked for the maritime fleet at Tongue Point until he retired because of ill health. Later, he worked for the Wickiup Water District in Svensen for more than 30 years.

Family members said he loved the community in which he lived, nature, animals and gardening. He enjoyed visiting and taking road trips with his close friends.

He is survived by his adopted daughter, Kathy Brolliar and her husband, Skip, of Svensen; a niece, Barbara Maxson of Portland; a stepson, John Maxson of Alaska; and two step-granddaughters, Debbi Thomas of Alaska and Rebecca Maxson of Redmond.

Visitation will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 31, at Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary, 1165 Franklin Ave. in Astoria.

A graveside service with vault interment and military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 1, at Ocean View Cemetery in Warrenton, which will be followed by a reception at the Crossroads Community Church in Svensen, at 40618 Old Highway 30.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Clatsop County Animal Shelter, 1315 S.E. 19th St., Warrenton, OR 97146.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.caldwellsmortuary.com