Barry R. Maxwell

Barry R. Maxwell, 78, of Lewisburg, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2015 at his home.

Born on January 20, 1937 in New Brunswick, NJ, he was a son of the late Sherman O. and Edna (Robbins) Maxwell. On June 15, 1957, he married the former Marjorie Savoye, who survives. Together they celebrated 58 years of marriage.

A graduate of Westfield High School, Barry received both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University. He then went on to serve in the United States Army as a Motor Operations Officer and a Nuclear Test Engineer. In 1971, Barry received his Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Mexico.

From 1963 to 1979 he worked as an instructor, assistant professor, associate professor and professor of mechanical engineering at Bucknell University. Barry would go on to be the Dean of Engineering from 1979 to 1986 and later the Vice President for Administration from 1986 to 1998.

Barry spent many summers doing research for the U.S. Air Force Office of Research Analysis, Holoman Air Force Base (1965-1969), NASA Research Center, Cleveland, OH (1972-1974), and the National Bureau of Standards as a Research Engineer (1976-1979).

He was awarded numerous awards from various organizations including Eagle Scout, Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching (1975), Class of 1956 Lectureship Award for Inspirational Teaching (1975), SAE Ralph Teetor Educational Award (1976) ASEE Western Electric Fund Award for Excellence in Teaching (1978), Bucknell University Award for Loyalty to Bucknell (1999).

Barry was a member of many professional organizations, including: the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (1963-1998), the American Society for Engineering Education (1963-1986), Tau Beta Pi (1979-1986), Association of Engineering Colleges of Pennsylvania (1979-1986), Pennsylvania Environmental Research Foundation (1981-1986), Friends of Massey Organization, Massey Collectors Association, Little Big Horn Association, Custer Battlefield Historical and Museum Association, Winchester Arms Collectors Association, Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Mid Atlantic Thunderbird Club and the International Thunderbird Club.

He was the director for Citizens’ Electric Company Board (1982-1991), Northern Central Bank Regional Board (1985-1991), Evangelical Spine Fitness Center Board (1990-1993), Evangelical Community Hospital Board (1990-1995), Northern Central Bank Corporate Board (1991-1998), Lewisburg and Union County Chamber of Commerce (1986-1998) and the Union County Industrial Development Corporation (1995-1998).

Barry loved farming his 80 acres of corn and soybeans, restoring antique Massey Harris farm tractors and collecting antique Winchester lever action rifles. He enjoyed hunting, the plains Indian wars and Waylon Jennings music.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three children, Kimberley Maxwell, of Lewisburg, Bradley Maxwell and his wife Darla, of Goshen, OH and Ryan Maxwell and his wife Lisa, of Lewisburg; along with six grandchildren, Caleb, Seth, Janelle, Erin, Emily and Adam.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a younger brother, Craig Maxwell.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

The family suggests contributions in Barry’s name be made to The Barry R. and Marjorie A. Maxwell Scholarship at Bucknell. Please make checks payable to Bucknell University for this scholarship fund and addressed to Bucknell University, Finance Office, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837. Online donations to Bucknell can also be specified for this fund at www.bucknell.edu/script/Gifts.

The family is being assisted by Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, 106 S. Second St. Lewisburg.