Family and friends are mourning the loss of Carroll Maxwell, who passed into the arms of Jesus this weekend, as well as celebrating the life and legacy of the beloved gentleman and fierce patriot whose dedication to political activism and community service made a positive impact on so many Texans.
“My world is consumed by my faith, my family, my friends, and politics,” Carroll told Texas Scorecard in 2017.
That remained true until his passing on Saturday at age 92.
“He loved God, his family and friends, and his country so very much,” Carroll’s daughter Karen Maxwell Prejean said Sunday. “It’s what kept him going so strong until two weeks ago.”
Carroll was an icon in Collin County’s conservative Republican politics for decades, and he actively worked to involve others in the political process.
“I believe that this is the greatest country ever known to man, and too many people have fought, suffered, and died to make this country what it is,” he said. “None of us have the right to take it for granted.”
Carroll never took America’s greatness for granted, and he was recognized by his peers for a lifetime of service to his country and state with a Conservative Leader Award in 2016.
He also served his community outside the political arena, leaving a lasting impact on countless Texans.
“Collin County and the State of Texas has lost a great patriot today, and I’ve lost a dear friend and stalwart conservative ally,” said fellow Conservative Leader Award recipient Derek Baker:
Carroll was one of the very first people I met when I moved back to Texas in 2012. He introduced me to literally hundreds of like-minded conservatives, and it’s like the man knew everybody.
I could absolutely, always, without fail count on Carroll to be on the right side of every issue, and it was a privilege to fight alongside him on so many battles over the last eight years, here in McKinney, across north Texas region, and across Texas as we engaged on various political issues.
I had the privilege of serving with Carroll on the board of many clubs and organizations, including Collin County Foster Friends and the Child Protective Services board, and I was fortunate to recruit him as a board member when I was president of Collin County Conservative Republicans, and loved serving under him when he served as president.
We had lots of fun, sat together on countless strategy sessions to protect and/or save Texas or fight for conservative candidates. I was continually amazed by his energy and zeal for protecting liberty and our constitutional rights.
“What an example to all of us to stay engaged, to fight the good fight,” said Suzanne Blackstone, another local Conservative Leader Award recipient. “We will miss Carroll!”
“I am at a loss of words learning that Carroll Maxwell passed away,” said Desiree Brown, chair emeritus of Collin County Young Republicans. “Over the last year, he had become one of my biggest personal supporters, enthusiastically encouraging me to run for the RNC Delegate position, nominating me for such, and being a regular attendee at Young Republican events during my chairmanship for the last two years.”
“Absolutely heartbroken,” added Kathy Partridge Ward, a local conservative radio host and past chair of the Collin County Republican Party. “He was an incredible patriot and always knew how to put a smile on your face. Praying for his family. May our sweet friend Rest In Peace.”
Carroll was a true happy warrior whose generous encouragement and constant presence at GOP functions will be sorely missed, but he leaves a lasting legacy that serves as an example for future generations of servant leaders.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
