Craig Michael Maxey

Craig Michael Maxey, age 64, of McMinnville, Oregon, passed away unexpectedly on March 7, 2026, due to cardiac arrest. Born on March 9, 1961, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Wendell Sr. and Mary Ellen (Theisen) Maxey, he grew up as the third oldest of eleven children. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School and Osmond High School, where he participated in every sport available to him—football, basketball, baseball, track, and soccer. His family moved to Oregon in 1977, and Craig graduated from Mt. Angel Seminary before earning a degree in Communication from Oregon State University. While at OSU, he also served three years in the Air Force Reserve.

In his early twenties, Craig showed an entrepreneurial spirit by designing bright neon BMX bicycle seat covers. His interests were many and varied, including fashion modeling, flying lessons, building rockets, and a lifelong passion for international travel. He became an avid collector of Beanie Babies during the height of the craze in the mid-1990s. In 1989, he married his Oregon State sweetheart, Kathy Lynch, and together they raised two children, Spencer and Savanna. Craig built and operated a successful logistics business for more than twenty years. He took great joy in watching Spencer play high school and college baseball, supporting Savanna through her years as a cheerleader and her college graduation, pursuing his ham radio hobby, and vacationing with his family in tropical destinations. Craig and Kathy divorced in 2016, after which he lived on the East Coast for a time.

In July 2022, Craig reconnected with longtime friend Lynn. He moved back to Oregon later that year and began working as a medical production technician at Sigmastim, where he formed strong friendships with his coworkers. Craig and Lynn became engaged on Christmas Eve 2022 and were married on July 3, 2023, in McMinnville, surrounded by family. They shared a deep love for family and travel, often visiting warm destinations together and with loved ones. In McMinnville, Craig embraced life with Lynn and her mother, enjoyed gardening and home improvement projects, continued his ham radio pursuits, and attended St. James Catholic Church faithfully.

Craig is survived by his devoted wife, Lynn Maxey; his loving mother, Mary Ellen Maxey; his former wife, Kathy Maxey; and his children, Spencer and Savanna Maxey. He is also survived by his siblings: Beth and Kelly Dohmen, Doug and Lysa Maxey, Patrick and Shauna Maxey, Diana Campos, Marc and Gina Maxey, Jay and Toni Maxey, Paula Maxey Dartman, Gina and Tim Reinke, and Wendell Maxey, along with 30 nieces and nephews and 25 great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Wendell Maxey Sr., and his older brother, Alan Maxey.